before and after usages

Question

Hi teachers,Please go over the items on the bill statements before you send them to the supervisor.Should I need to use 'have sent'?  Thanks

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

tinanam0102Should I need to use 'have sent'? ???

Ask: Should I use 'have sent'? or ask: Do I need to use 'have sent'?

No. Do not use 'have sent'! Not with that imperative 'go over the items'.

Do this before you do that is much more natural than Do this before you have done that.

CJ

Tinanam0102 · Answer

Hi CalifJim,

Thanks for helping me. I'm still a little confused.

1. From the merriam learner dictionary: You must have completed an introductory class before you can take an advanced class.

Why is it not: You must complete an introductory class before you can take an advanced class?

2. My original sentence: Please go over the items on the bill statements before you send them to the supervisor.

Would there be a difference if I use 'once': Once you have gone over the items on the bill statements, you can send them to the supervisor.

Thanks
Tinanam

CalifJim · Answer

tinanam01021. From the merriam learner dictionary: You must have completed an introductory class before you can take an advanced class. Why is it not: You must complete an introductory class before you can take an advanced class?

It can be either one.
a) You must have completed ... suggests that your current status must include the successful completion of an introductory class.
b) You must complete ... suggests that you must some day complete an introductory class (even though you may not yet have done so) before moving on to the advanced class.

Regardless of the slight differences in nuance, the two amount to the same requirement in practical terms.

tinanam01022. My original sentence: Please go over the items on the bill statements before you send them to the supervisor. Would there be a difference if I use 'once': Once you have gone over the items on the bill statements, you can send them to the supervisor.

Yes. With the once-clause there is no longer an imperative.

Once you [have gone / go] over the items ..., you can ....

The slight differences are the same as those described above in your "must have completed" example, and in practical terms the two versions have the same meaning.

CJ

Tinanam0102 · Answer

Hi CalifJim,

Thanks for explaning it to me.

Have a good day.
TN

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