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Maybe it's very simple but I'm wondering which one is correct. Google search has showed me both forms are used.

  • "He said the earth was round."
  • "He said the earth is round."
Mari-Lou A
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Dennis
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1 Answers1

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Both the sentences are correct. It depends on what context and which tense you are using it. For example:

Past tense:

Aristotle was the first person who described the shape of the Earth. He said the Earth was round but no one believed him then. However, today it's a known fact.

Present tense:

I asked my professor, "What is the shape of the Earth?" He said, "The Earth is round."

Chappo Hasn't Forgotten
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Shirin Mohanty
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    Please provide examples of different contexts where each tense could be applicable. This is not for me but for the OP. – Mari-Lou A Feb 19 '19 at 08:35
  • PAST TENSE- Aristotle was the first person who described the shape of the earth. He said the earth was round but no one believed him then. However, today its a known fact. – Shirin Mohanty Feb 20 '19 at 06:53
  • Present tense- I asked my professor- "What is the shape of the Earth". "He said the earth is round" – Shirin Mohanty Feb 20 '19 at 06:55
  • Hi Shirin, welcome to EL&U. You might not have understood that Mari-Lou was suggesting you [edit] your answer rather than provide the detail as comments. I'll edit your answer for you, but for future reference, we expect this level of detail to be included in the answer. For further guidance, see [answer] and take the EL&U [Tour]. I look forward to your future contributions :-) – Chappo Hasn't Forgotten Feb 20 '19 at 09:10
  • Oh sorry! My bad. Thanks for informing me. I will keep this in mind the next time – Shirin Mohanty Feb 20 '19 at 09:22