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Mercyful_fate Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Grammar question

Today while we were watching an apartment my friend said "Have you seen the kitchen" shouldn't she say "Did you see the kitchen?"

Why did she use the present perfect?

One more question please. Is it right to use present perfect like this "I should have told you about that" and what does it imply/convey to the listener/receiver?

Appreciated.
  

Top answer

1. Either is correct. " Up to now, but assuming you will in the near future.

— Philip

  • 1.
  • Either is correct.
  • " Up to now, but assuming you will in the near future.
  • 2.
  • I needed to tell you that, but I didn't.
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8 Answers
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1. Either is correct. She could have added, 'have you seen the kitchen yet?" Up to now, but assuming you will in the near future.

2. I needed to tell you that, but I didn't. It isn't the present perfect, but I'll let someone like CJ enlighten us. (Please, CJ?)
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Hi Philip -
It is present perfect, with a modal auxiliary:

I would have told you, but I didn't have time.
I should have told you that the hot water was going to be shut off before you got in the shower!
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Mercyful_fateToday while we were watching an apartment my friend said "Have you seen the kitchen" shouldn't she say "Did you see the kitchen?"
No. Either one is fine.
Mercyful_fateWhy did she use the present perfect?
She may have been hinting that you should take a look at the kitchen. "You should take a look at the kitche
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AlpheccaStarsIt is present perfect, with a modal auxiliary
I've never heard this term. Am I behind the times?
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CalifJim
AlpheccaStarsIt is present perfect, with a modal auxiliary
I've never heard this term. Am I behind the times? CJ
I stand corrected! I hadn't remembered the phrase modal perfect.
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It wasn't a test question! I was really asking if it's a term that's commonly used, because it sounds reasonable -- not attempting to correct you!
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Hi,

Can I say "perfect modal" for short?
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Just to add a point.
Mercyful_fateToday while we were watching an apartment
The verb "to watch" is normally used when we look at something for a period of time, especially something that is changing or moving such as a film or people engaged in an activity.

I watched the chi
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