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Pleasehelp Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Are/were

I thought we were going out to eat. Or

I thought we are going out to eat.

I think the first one is correct but what if I still think that we are going out to eat? Could the second one be used?

Thanks.
  

Top answer

"I thought we were going out to eat" is suitable (i) if the thought and the possible act of going out to eat were both in the past; and (ii) if the thought is current and the possible act of going out to eat is in the future. "I thought we are going out to eat" doesn't sound right to me.

— Mr Wordy

  • "I thought we were going out to eat" is suitable (i) if the thought and the possible act of going out to eat were both in the past; and (ii) if the thought is current and the possible act of going out to eat is in the future.
  • "I thought we are going out to eat" doesn't sound right to me.
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3 Answers
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"I thought we were going out to eat" is suitable (i) if the thought and the possible act of going out to eat were both in the past; and (ii) if the thought is current and the possible act of going out to eat is in the future.

"I thought we are going out to eat" doesn't sound right to me.
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pleasehelpwhat if I still think that we are going out to eat? Could the second one be used?
You're thinking too much! Don't use the second one. No.

After thought that and knew that, don't use the present. That would be very unidiomatic.

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Mr. Dimsum or anyone...

Why's it that CJ says we shouldn't mix tenses and some of you suggest otherwise....

Please clarify this for me. Thank you!
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