Past simple vs Present simple

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi,

“Speaking at the Guildhall last night, the prime minister said that fighting crime was his top priority.”

Could I say “… the prime minister said fighting crime IS his top priority” (using “is” rather than “was”)?

Thanks in advance. Cheerio

2

yes.

3

If you use ‘was’, you are using the conventional reported speech format. If the ‘reporter’ uses ‘is’, the statement becomes more immediate/actual.

Alan

4

Thanks for your responses, Beeesneees and Alan.

I find that “is” is more natural and more logical - but I’m not a native speaker, of course :slight_smile: