How to report when having a Future Perfect introductory clause? [closed]

Solution 1:

There are different possible timeframes involved, which need addressing separately.

(a) 'He' has already criticised John:

• I know what must have happened when Charles went to see the boss. He will have said, "John is so bad!"

This allows both 'was' and 'is' in the reported versions. Obviously, context may disallow 'is' (if John has since died), though if the criticism was recent, 'is' is more likely.

(b) The criticism of John is expected:

• By this time tomorrow, Charles will have seen the boss and stirred up a hornets' nest. He will have said, "John is so bad!"

Here, 'is' is the only reasonable choice to reflect the original.