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Peaceblinkfriend Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

"I hope you don't forget to water the plants."

Emma: "I hope you don't forget to water the plants."

Suppose Emma went away for a couple of days and she asked her flat mate to water the plants for her. When would it be likely that she say this? Just before she leaves the flat or when is has already gone.

Thanks

PBF
  

Top answer

Much more likely to say it before she leaves. If she had already gone and wrote a postcard or spoke on the 'phone, Emma is much more likely to use the continuous tense and say "I hope you are watering the plants". She could say "Don't forget to water the plants" after she had gone and her flatmate wouldn't think it was strange, but the continuous form is more usual.

— Montur

  • Much more likely to say it before she leaves.
  • If she had already gone and wrote a postcard or spoke on the 'phone, Emma is much more likely to use the continuous tense and say "I hope you are watering the plants".
  • She could say "Don't forget to water the plants" after she had gone and her flatmate wouldn't think it was strange, but the continuous form is more usual.
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2 Answers
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Much more likely to say it before she leaves. If she had already gone and wrote a postcard or spoke on the 'phone, Emma is much more likely to use the continuous tense and say "I hope you are watering the plants". She could say "Don't forget to water the plants" after she had gone and her flatmate wouldn't think it was strange, but the continuous form is more usual.
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I see. Thanks Montur. 

PBF
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