he said that "you were correct." vs he said, "you are correct."

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. The first phrase, "he said that 'you were correct.'", is used when reporting something that was said in the past. The second phrase, "he said, 'you are correct.'", is used when directly quoting someone in the present. The choice between the two depends on the tense of the reported speech.

Last updated: March 25, 2024

he said that "you were correct."

This phrase is correct and commonly used when reporting something that was said in the past.

This phrase is used to report speech that occurred in the past. The verb 'were' matches the past tense of the reported speech.

Examples:

She told me that 'she was going to the store.'
He mentioned that 'he had finished his homework.'
They explained that 'they had already left.'
The teacher confirmed that 'the test was next week.'
I heard that 'they were getting married.'

Alternatives:

he said that 'you were right.'
he mentioned that 'you were accurate.'
he confirmed that 'you were spot on.'
he reported that 'you were on the mark.'
he stated that 'you were on target.'

he said, "you are correct."

This phrase is correct and commonly used when directly quoting someone in the present.

This phrase is used to directly quote someone in the present. The verb 'are' matches the present tense of the quoted speech.

Examples:

She said, 'I am going to the store.'
He replied, 'I am finished with my homework.'
They exclaimed, 'We have already left.'
The teacher stated, 'The test is next week.'
I heard him say, 'They are getting married.'

Alternatives:

he said, 'you are right.'
he mentioned, 'you are accurate.'
he confirmed, 'you are spot on.'
he reported, 'you are on the mark.'
he stated, 'you are on target.'

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he said that "you were correct." vs he said, "you are correct."