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PreciousJones Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Did/do

My sister's going out to get food for us. I say:

Please don't forget the salad! Oh and by the way, did you need money?

Or

Please don't forget the salad! Oh and by the way, do you need money?

Whats the difference between using do/did?

Thanks!
  

Top answer

PreciousJones and by the way, do you need money? Neutral, normal form. PreciousJones and by the way, did you need money?

— CalifJim

  • PreciousJones and by the way, do you need money?
  • Neutral, normal form.
  • PreciousJones and by the way, did you need money?
  • The 'past of politeness'.
  • More tentative, deferential.
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3 Answers
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PreciousJonesand by the way, do you need money?
Neutral, normal form.
PreciousJonesand by the way, did you need money?
The 'past of politeness'. More tentative, deferential.

CJ
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CalifJimThe 'past of politeness'. More tentative, deferential.
What do you mean by 'past of politeness'?

It's more polite using did instead of do?
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PreciousJonesWhat do you mean by 'past of politeness'?
I mean that's what it's called when you substitute the past for the present in asking that sort of question.
PreciousJonesIt's more polite using did instead of do?
Yes, though there is nothing impolite about using do.

It may be more accurate to say
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