I got a question about the two expressions below :
1. I said I would think about it
2. I said I will think about it
Are there any differences between these two sentences above ?
I appreciate your help !
In terms of meaning, no; in terms of punctuation, yes. Sentence 2. needs punctuation,
2. I said, "I will think about it." (Direct speech; exact words)
1. I said I would think about it. (Indirect speech; reference to what was said (i.e., past tense would); not exact words)
if it's the case that would in 1. refers to a condition (e.g., I said I would look into it if they ask), then 1. is ambiguous. That is, would expresses two meanings: a) indirect speech (i.e., direct speech "I will" => indirect speech I would) or b) conditional (i.e., I would if...) :D