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Simonsez Posted 18 years ago
Grammar
ate vs. have eaten and which vs. that
From what I remember from my grammar classes years ago, the simple past is used for time specific events and the present perfect tense is used to refer to non-time specific events/ general experiences. As such, is it incorrect to state the following : I have already eaten my dinner. or I ate my dinner already?
My second question is using which vs. that. Is which used only for non-essential information while that is used for essential information? For example, the dog I bought yesterday, which was owned by a beautiful girl, is really adorable. Conversely, I bought a dog that was owned by a beautiful girl.
Any help will be much appreciated.
My second question is using which vs. that. Is which used only for non-essential information while that is used for essential information? For example, the dog I bought yesterday, which was owned by a beautiful girl, is really adorable. Conversely, I bought a dog that was owned by a beautiful girl.
Any help will be much appreciated.
Top answer
Welcome to English Forums, Simon. I have already eaten my dinner. or I ate my dinner already-- Both are fine .
- Welcome to English Forums, Simon.
- I have already eaten my dinner.
- or I ate my dinner already-- Both are fine .
- Americans tend to use the latter.
- 'That' and 'which' can both be used for essential information; 'which' only is used for non-essential information.
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1 Answers
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Welcome to English Forums, Simon.
I have already eaten my dinner. or I ate my dinner already-- Both are fine. Americans tend to use the latter.
'That' and 'which' can both be used for essential information; 'which' only is used for non-essential information. Some grammarians like to reserve 'which' for the latter only.
Welcome to English Forums, Simon.
I have already eaten my dinner. or I ate my dinner already-- Both are fine. Americans tend to use the latter.
'That' and 'which' can both be used for essential information; 'which' only is used for non-essential information. Some grammarians like to reserve 'which' for the latter only.
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