We often change the tense while changing direct speech to indirect speech?

[Engbegin]

We often change the tense while changing direct speech to indirect speech. but in some cases like stating general facts we don't change the tense. Can someone help me in this sentence. Do we need to change the tense?

The letter quoted the president as saying that he believes the company will make profit next year.

After changing the tense, it becomes: The letter quoted the president as saying that he believed the company would make profit next year.

which one is correct?

[Alan]

Hi,

Both sentences are acceptable. By using the present tense in the first sentence you are suggesting that the president still believes this.

I would use the expression as 'make a profit.'

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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