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ESL forum > Grammar and Linguistics > Passive in indirect speech    

Passive in indirect speech



Venus78
Iran

Passive in indirect speech
 
Hi everyone,
I have a question about passive form in indirect speech. In this sentence:

Direct:   "Breakfast is served between 7:00 and 9:00" The receptionist explained.

Indirect: The receptionist explained that the breakfast would be served between
              7:00 and 9:00.

I�m not sure why it changes to "would be served" in indirect speech. I know that in indirect speech if something is true and still going on it doesn�t move one tense back but why it changes to would?
I�d appreciate it if anyone could help me.Smile
take care,Hug
Venus

18 Jan 2009      





marciadnr
Portugal

Actually it only changes depending on the situation: if what the receptionist is referring to is a habit - the fact that breakfast is always served at that time, then it does not change (The receptionist explained that the breakfast is served between 7:00 and 9:00.).

Yet, if it is on that specific day - which is being reported - that it is considered as a future event - as if s/he used "will be served" - and in that case it changes into "would". (check changes of Passive Voice -Future).

18 Jan 2009     



Kita19
Portugal

Hi Venus,
 
yes, I think marciadnr is right. I would definitly say that the sentence in direct speech is refering to the future and that�s why it changes to "would" in indirect speech. Otherwise it wouldn�t make sense.
 
I hope I could help you.
 
Hugs

18 Jan 2009     



HARIM
Morocco

Hi Venus,

As many linguists suggest,I�d rather keep the sentence as it is.My reported sentence would look like: He explained that breakfast is served between .......

So the rule that applies to scientific and general truth sentences should apply to time tables

We can�t say he told me that the capital of Morocco was Rabat because Rabat was and still is the capital.

What do other teachers say?

18 Jan 2009     



anaisabel001
Spain

I agree with harimThumbs Up

18 Jan 2009     



MissMelissa12
Peru

It changes to that because in this sentence:  "Breakfast is served between 7:00 and 9:00" The receptionist explained" , the word "is served"  is a simple present tense with future meaning (official schedules) which is also in a passive voice.

So we will change it as if it were in future due what it is intending to say.
 
Do I make sense?
 
 marciadnr makes a lot of sense too!! Thumbs Up

19 Jan 2009     



Venus78
Iran

Thanks a lot for your helpful answers.  HeartStar
Venus

19 Jan 2009