7.48 reporting verb in other tenses

If you are reporting something that someone says or believes at the time that you are speaking, you use a present tense of the reporting verb.

• Experts say that you should be precise in your accounting.
• I think it's going to rain.

However, you can also use a present tense of the reporting verb when you are reporting something said in the past, especially if you are reporting something that someone often says or that is still true.

• She says she wants to see you this afternoon.
• My doctor says it's nothing to worry about.

If you are predicting what people will say or think, you use a future tense of the reporting verb.

• No doubt he will claim that his car broke down.
• They will think we are making a fuss.