alleryStart learning →"I need a key," says Batman. "Needs" stays because the main verb is
Apast tense
Bconditional
Cpresent tense
Dfuture perfect
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. present tense
With a present tense reporting verb there is no backshifting.
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Related questions
Which words are liable to change when speech is reported?A direct verb already in the past perfect, once reported, becomesIn the future-in-the-past, will and shall change toTense changes in reporting arise when the verb of saying is in theWhich situation favours keeping the original tense after "said"?Batman has said that he needs a key. No backshift occurs as the main verb isIn indirect speech, pronouns and place words suit the context ofReporting "How do people live here?" needs question syntax to become