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Anonymous Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

following the phrase "I thought I would"

Hi,
Are all these correct verb tenses to follow the phrase "I thought I would"? When are the backshifted versions correct and when are others correct?

I thought I would let you know something I have been using/had been using with my kids.
I thought I would let you know something I have just discovered/had just discovered.
I thought I would let you know something you can/could do to lighten up the mood.
  

Top answer

Backshifting is always correct (if done correctly-- past perfect is inappropriate here). g. am, can ) if the condition or situation still obtains 'now'.

— Mister Micawber

  • Backshifting is always correct (if done correctly-- past perfect is inappropriate here).
  • g.
  • am, can ) if the condition or situation still obtains 'now'.
  • These are OK: I thought I would let you know something I have been using/ was/am using with my kids.
  • I thought I would let you know something I have just discovered/ just discovered .
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1 Answers
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Backshifting is always correct (if done correctly-- past perfect is inappropriate here). Use present (e.g. am, can) if the condition or situation still obtains 'now'. These are OK:

I thought I would let you know something I have been using/was/am using with my kids.
I thought I would let you know something I have just discovered/ just discovered.
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