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JungKim Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

Could you tell me what your name is/was?

Context: You're asking a stranger their name. 
Are both natural?

(1) Could you tell me what your name is?
(2) Could you tell me what your name was?
  

Top answer

(1) is correct. (2) is correct only if there has been a name-change.

— Philip

  • (1) is correct.
  • (2) is correct only if there has been a name-change.
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5 Answers
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(1) is correct. (2) is correct only if there has been a name-change.
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Thanks!
How about this pair in the same context?
(3) I was wondering if you could tell me what your name is.
(4) I was wondering if you could tell me what your name was.

The same answer as (1)/(2)? That is, (3) is correct and (4) is correct only if there has been a name-change?
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JungKim I was wondering if you could tell me what your name was.
Probably, this would be worded with what your name used to be.
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PhilipProbably, this would be worded with what your name used to be.
Do you mean that (4) could mean the same thing as (3)?
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JungKim PhilipProbably, this would be worded with what your name used to be.Do you mean that (4) could mean the same thing as (3)?
No, not at all.
(3) I was wondering if you could tell me what your name is. (4) I was wondering if you could tell me what your name was.
#3 is the normal was of asking the question about the person's name. #4
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