Idiom : when in Rome, do as the Romans do. (tense)
I learned some idioms.
I have a question.
Some can be changed from original tense to another one. (eg : i am keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn't happen. It's good thing I looked before I leaped.)
but, others cannot be changed.
Then, how about this idiom "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." ?
Could I use this idiom like that "When in Rome, did as the Romans did."
I want to know about this rule.
Top answer
"When in Rome, do as the Romans do" is an imperative. You cannot change an imperative to past tense. I guess that something like this is possible: When in Rome, I did as the Romans do/did.
- "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" is an imperative.
- You cannot change an imperative to past tense.
- I guess that something like this is possible: When in Rome, I did as the Romans do/did.
- but it is more a reference to the idiom than a direct use of it.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
"When in Rome, do as the Romans do" is an imperative. You cannot change an imperative to past tense. I guess that something like this is possible:
When in Rome, I did as the Romans do/did.
but it is more a reference to the idiom than a direct use of it.
0
Related Questions