jazzmaster  +  661725 Tue, 03 Feb 09 12:40 PM I need your input: Q: I have this sentence in the past perfect tense: If I had seen her at the party, I would have said to her, "we can get together later". Converting this sentence into an indirect narration, which one would it be?: a. If I had seen her at the party, I would have told her that we could get together later. b. If I had seen her at the party, I would have told her that we could have gotten together later. The point I am asking is, in a past perfect sentence, whether "we can get together later" part should be in the simple past tense or in the present perfect tense.  Explanation is appreciated. Thanks in advance. J jazzmaster Joined on Fri, Jul 25 2008 Junior Member 80 Tenses, Present Tenses, Past Perfect, Simple Past, Present Perfect, Past Tenses, Sentences, Simple Tenses

	Avangi  +  662116 Tue, 03 Feb 09 09:03 PM That's an interesting one.  Just going by instinct, I'd definitely choose the first version.  I have no explanation at this time.  Sorry. As an aside, I'd probably also use the subjunctive.  "I would have suggested [that] we get together later." Avangi Joined on Mon, Nov 19 2007 Veteran Member 8,211 ". . . le plaisir delicieux et toujours nouveau d'une occupation inutile." - Henri de Regnier Subjunctives, Apologies

	jazzmaster  +  662897 Wed, 04 Feb 09 06:17 PM Thanks, Avangi Glad you liked it.  Never have I thought about this before. Actually your subjunctive sample suggests a very interesting point.   After the verb "suggested", the verb "get" is left to be in the present tense. J jazzmaster Tenses, Present Tenses, Subjunctives, Samples