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Whatchadoin Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Did or have

Oh, did I tell you Joseph taught me to skateboard?

Why didn't the speaker said "Have I told you Joseph taught me to skateboard?"? Thanks.
  

Top answer

" The speaker probably used the simple past because he is asking about one "telling" event that might have occurred in the past. The present perfect is OK too, but it is not as focused on a particular event. Grandpa: Did I ever tell you the story of when I fell out of the tree?

— AlpheccaStars

  • " The speaker probably used the simple past because he is asking about one "telling" event that might have occurred in the past.
  • The present perfect is OK too, but it is not as focused on a particular event.
  • Grandpa: Did I ever tell you the story of when I fell out of the tree?
  • (simple past) Grandson: Yes, grandad, you've told us that story many times.
  • )
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2 Answers
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Why didn't the speaker say: "Have I told you Joseph taught me to skateboard?"

The speaker probably used the simple past because he is asking about one "telling" event that might have occurred in the past.
The present perfect is OK too, but it is not as focused on a particular event.

Grandpa: Did I ever tell you the story of when I fell out of the tree? (simple past)
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whatchadoinOh, did I tell you Joseph taught me to skateboard?
It is common in English to preface new information you want to convey with "Did I tell you (that)?" It's really not necessary, but it's very idiomatic to say it. By the way, "Did you know (that)?" is also used this way.

Joseph taught me to skateboard thus becomes:

[Did
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