Time in Reported Statements

Level 4

Greek reported speech selects tense from the intended time relation and viewpoint rather than applying obligatory tense backshift.

How It Works

Greek reported speech selects tense from the intended time relation and viewpoint rather than applying obligatory tense backshift.

A present inside a past report can remain appropriate if the statement is still valid or anchored to the reported speaker. Pronouns and words such as εδώ or αύριο also need a clear reference point.

GreekMeaning
Είπε ότι μένει στην Αθήνα.He or she said that they live in Athens.
Είπε ότι είχε φύγει.He or she said that they had left.
Είπε ότι θα έρθει αύριο.He or she said that they will come tomorrow.

Examples (3)

  1. Είπε ότι μένει στην Αθήνα.

    He or she said that they live in Athens.

  2. Είπε ότι είχε φύγει.

    He or she said that they had left.

  3. Είπε ότι θα έρθει αύριο.

    He or she said that they will come tomorrow.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

Time in Reported StatementsLevel 4

Learn This First

Recognize the embedded reported proposition before choosing its time reference or complement type.

Words in This Pattern

ότι