The phrase “They said they ______ ready” is an incomplete sentence that requires careful attention to grammar, context, and tense. Filling in the blank correctly depends on the time and the action being described.
Using “are”
If the situation is happening in the present, the correct form would be:
“They said they are ready.”
This is common in reported speech when the readiness is still valid at the time of speaking. For example:
“I asked my friends if they were prepared for the trip. They said they are ready.”
Using “were”
If the readiness refers to a past event, the sentence becomes:
“They said they were ready.”
This form is used to show that at some point in the past, they claimed they were prepared. For example:
“Yesterday, the team said they were ready for the match.”
Understanding the Context
The choice between “are” and “were” depends on whether the statement reflects a past situation or a current condition. It also matters if the writer wants to follow strict grammar rules of reported speech (backshifting the tense) or keep the original tense for emphasis.
Common Mistakes
Incorrect: They said they is ready.
Incorrect: They said they be ready.
These are grammatically wrong and should be avoided.
- الاجابة : were
Practice Examples
Present: “The students said they are ready for the exam.”
Past: “The workers said they were ready to start the project last week.”
Conclusion
The sentence “They said they ______ ready” teaches us about reported speech, verb tenses, and context. Choosing between “are” and “were” depends on whether we talk about the present or the past. Mastering this small detail can make your English writing much clearer and more accurate.
