Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[shvetsov2005]

Hello,

I have written in a letter:

My friend in Switzerland told me it is better to exchange your local money into Swiss francs in your country.

Can you find mistakes?

What bothers me is this "it is better". Should I have said "it was better"?
Like: He said it WAS late.

Alexander.

[pugachevV]

Your sentence is correct English. A native English speaker would probably say it like this, though: My friend in Switzerland told me it is better to exchange your money into Swiss francs in your own country.

It is better is correct, because the condition still exists.
When you report that "He said it was late," you are reporting something that was said in the past.

[shvetsov2005]

Thanks,

Alexander.

[pugachevV]

Any time, Alexander.