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Question 18

Which full report correctly keeps a current need after an ongoing reporting verb in the when-not-to-backshift contrast? Direct: "I need a quieter desk."

  1. Leo is saying that he needs a quieter desk.Correct answer
  2. Leo is saying that he needed a quieter desk.
  3. Leo is saying that he had needed a quieter desk.
  4. Leo is saying that he would need a quieter desk.

Explanation

Needs is right because Leo is voicing the request now through the present continuous reporting frame. Needed and had needed turn the live need into a past one, while would need makes it conditional or future-oriented.

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Question 18: Which full report correctly keeps a current need after an… · English Reported Speech · Questena