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Linian_U Posted 15 years ago
Grammar
"if" in sentences
I make a close study of use of "if"
and I have a questions about grammar in these sentences (I read it in electronic dictionary).
"He asked me if I knew a new address of our university professor"
I don't understand, why did it use a Past Ind. after "if".
Why I can't say "He asked me if I know a new address of our university professor"
and
"If he comes tomorrow, send for me".
I don't understand, why did it say "send" in Past Ind.
It must be a Future or not?
and I have a questions about grammar in these sentences (I read it in electronic dictionary).
"He asked me if I knew a new address of our university professor"
I don't understand, why did it use a Past Ind. after "if".
Why I can't say "He asked me if I know a new address of our university professor"
and
"If he comes tomorrow, send for me".
I don't understand, why did it say "send" in Past Ind.
It must be a Future or not?
Top answer
Hello, Linian - and welcome to English Forums. "He asked me if I knew a new address of our university professor" I don't understand, why did it use a Past Ind. -- The verb of a dependent clause ('knew') often regresses with the main verb ('asked') Why can't I say "He asked me if I know a new address of our university professor"-- You can.
- Hello, Linian - and welcome to English Forums.
- "He asked me if I knew a new address of our university professor" I don't understand, why did it use a Past Ind.
- -- The verb of a dependent clause ('knew') often regresses with the main verb ('asked') Why can't I say "He asked me if I know a new address of our university professor"-- You can.
- The dependent verb can remain in present tense if the condition still persists now.
- But native speakers tend to regress it anyway.
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2 Answers
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Hello, Linian - and welcome to English Forums.
"He asked me if I knew a new address of our university professor" I don't understand, why did it use a Past Ind. after "if".-- The verb of a dependent clause ('knew') often regresses with the main verb ('asked')
Why can't I say "He asked me if I know a new address of our university professor"-- You can. Th
"He asked me if I knew a new address of our university professor" I don't understand, why did it use a Past Ind. after "if".-- The verb of a dependent clause ('knew') often regresses with the main verb ('asked')
Why can't I say "He asked me if I know a new address of our university professor"-- You can. Th
00
Thank you very much for your answer and for your speech of welcome. 
Your answer showed me gaps in my knowledge
- I do
Your answer showed me gaps in my knowledge
- I do
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