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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Asking a question with "Did" instead of "Do"

Hi,

Does anybody know why the use of the word "Did" has become more common (it seems to me) than the word "Do" in the following example? Secondly, is this even still grammatically correct?

1) Did you want to go for coffee this morning?

2) Do you want to go for coffee this morning?

I understand that one could ask the first question when they are questioning a past desire, but I find that people also use it with the actual meaning of the second question.

Thanks,

John.
  

Top answer

The use of did instead of do in that sentence is called "the past of politeness" and it's completely grammatical even when it is a question about a present desire. ". For example, suppose you see a complete stranger wandering through the halls of the office building where you work.

— CalifJim

  • The use of did instead of do in that sentence is called "the past of politeness" and it's completely grammatical even when it is a question about a present desire.
  • ".
  • For example, suppose you see a complete stranger wandering through the halls of the office building where you work.
  • " CJ
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2 Answers
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The use of did instead of do in that sentence is called "the past of politeness" and it's completely grammatical even when it is a question about a present desire.

You can use "Were you ...?" in the same way as "Did you ...?". For example, suppose you see a complete stranger wandering through the halls of the office building where you work. You can approach and ask, "Were
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Thanks for the reply CJ.

John.
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