Can you help me with these?
Which of them are correct or sound more natural? How far into the sentence does the reported speech go- I feel like if I transform everything it changes the meaning and the time reference- past instead of the present.
I miss you.
I'd lie if I said I didn't miss you
I'd lie if I said I don't miss you.
He's not performing up to par.
I'd lie if I said he was performing up to par.
I'd lie if I said he is performing up to par.
What if I want it to mean this:
He's been performing up to par. (Some backshifting should take place, right?)
1.I'd lie if I said he'd been performing up to par. (turning present perfect in past perfect)
- I'd lie if I said he's been performing up to par.
How about backshifting and tense agreement in general?
For instance:
"What are you gonna do tough guy?" "I was thinking of slapping you around till you cried/ till you cry."