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Jeevarajah Posted 19 years ago
Grammar

Interview Questions & tenses

Hi Group,

What type of tense should I use when answering questions like this "How would you describe the responsibilities involved in this position"?

Is this an hypothetical question?

Please advise, thank you.

Regards,

Jeeva
  

Top answer

As it stands-- I presume that the job exists-- I would use simple present: The reponsibilities involved in this position are: - Emptying the dustbins - Mopping the floors - Dusting the prie-dieux

— Mister Micawber

  • As it stands-- I presume that the job exists-- I would use simple present: The reponsibilities involved in this position are: - Emptying the dustbins - Mopping the floors - Dusting the prie-dieux
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7 Answers
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As it stands-- I presume that the job exists-- I would use simple present:

The reponsibilities involved in this position are:
- Emptying the dustbins
- Mopping the floors
- Dusting the prie-dieux
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Hi,

Can I take that this is not a hypothetical question?

And if so could you please explain the use of "would" in that question.

Regards,

Jeeva
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The question per se isn't hypothetical, IMO. What's hypothetical is what kind of answer you will provide.

Or you could read it as a polite form used instead of will.
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Or you could read it as a polite form used instead of will

I agree with Marius on this suggestion. It is a standard form of courtesy, Jeeva:

How would you describe the responsibilities involved in this position [if you wish to do so]?
What would you like to drink [if you are thirsty and wish to tell me]?
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Hi,

Could you give me an example of the used form?

Regards,

Jeeva
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I don't understand your question, Jeeva. I have given two examples of polite 'would' in my previous post.
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Sorry...I mis-understood your meaning, thank you and have a nice day.

Kindest Regards,

Jeeva
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