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Musicgold Posted 14 years ago
Grammar
Are these sentences natural? January 29
Hi,
Are the following sentences natural to a native ear?
1. Actually many people (have) used that phrase to describe me. (the period I am referring to here is since my childhood days. Should I use ‘used’ or ‘have used’ here?)
2. In fact I had come up with my motto when I was in elementary school.
3. Almost all problems in our lives can be reduced down to a lack of knowledge.
Thanks,
MG.
Are the following sentences natural to a native ear?
1. Actually many people (have) used that phrase to describe me. (the period I am referring to here is since my childhood days. Should I use ‘used’ or ‘have used’ here?)
2. In fact I had come up with my motto when I was in elementary school.
3. Almost all problems in our lives can be reduced down to a lack of knowledge.
Thanks,
MG.
Top answer
1. have used... 2.
- 1.
- have used...
- 2.
- came up with...
- 3.
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4 Answers
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1. ...have used...
2. ...came up with...
3. ...can be reduced to a lack... Omit down.
2. ...came up with...
3. ...can be reduced to a lack... Omit down.
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Thanks MalRay.
Can you please explain why 'have used' is more appropriate in #1?
Can you please explain why 'have used' is more appropriate in #1?
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MusicgoldCan you please explain why 'have used' is more appropriate in #1? (the period I am referring to here is since my childhood days. Should I use ‘used’ or ‘have used’ here?)Your comment (blue in the quoted text) indicates that the usage started in the past and is ongoing, thus present-perfect tense is appropriate.
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