Question

Updated on 7 Mar 2023

about 15 hours

Question about English (US)

1.He says that he will join the party.
2.He said that he would join the party.
3.He says, "I will join the party. "
4.He said, "I will join the party."

I come across the third and fourth uses in books. But in daily life speech, we should use the first and second expressions which are reported speech, right? And If the answer is yes, is there any difference in the meaning in those two uses?

Thanks.

Answers

In spoken English, #1 & #2 are paraphrasing what was said (reported speech). #3 & #4 are attempting to directly quote him. The way you would say it outloud is:
"He said <slight pause> 'I will join the party'" or "He said, and I quote, 'I will join the party'"

Highly-rated answerer

@AgentPenguin So you say that all of them are usable in spoken english, right? (And 1=2, 3=4)

Highly-rated answerer

@AgentPenguin Thank you so much.

Highly-rated answerer

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