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Jack112 Posted 21 years ago
Grammar
Jack's New Keyboard
Scenario: My friend just bought a new keyboard from me. The next day he sees a better deal but it is used and I say:
Do I use 'is' or 'was' here?
1. I know that one is cheap but mine is new. (Even though I don't own the item anymore, is it possible to still use 'mine' ? I hear this a lot.)
2. I know that one is cheap but mine was new.
Thanks.
Do I use 'is' or 'was' here?
1. I know that one is cheap but mine is new. (Even though I don't own the item anymore, is it possible to still use 'mine' ? I hear this a lot.)
2. I know that one is cheap but mine was new.
Thanks.
Top answer
Hi Jack, Scenario: My friend just bought a new keyboard from me. The next day he sees a better deal but it is used and I say: Do I use 'is' or 'was' here? 1.
- Hi Jack, Scenario: My friend just bought a new keyboard from me.
- The next day he sees a better deal but it is used and I say: Do I use 'is' or 'was' here?
- 1.
- I know that one is cheap but mine is new.
- (Even though I don't own the item anymore, is it possible to still use 'mine' ?
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7 Answers
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Hi Jack,
Scenario: My friend just bought a new keyboard from me. The next day he sees a better deal but it is used and I say:
Do I use 'is' or 'was' here?
1. I know that one is cheap but mine is new. (Even though I don't own the item anymore, is it possible to still use 'mine' ? I hear
Scenario: My friend just bought a new keyboard from me. The next day he sees a better deal but it is used and I say:
Do I use 'is' or 'was' here?
1. I know that one is cheap but mine is new. (Even though I don't own the item anymore, is it possible to still use 'mine' ? I hear
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I suppose, if you want to stay with the use of 'mine', it would also be proper to say, '...but the one that was mine, is new.'
00
Dear friends,
It is most strange that we must not say «is», but may say «mine». It is not a notion of ownership in «is» also?
It is most strange that we must not say «is», but may say «mine». It is not a notion of ownership in «is» also?
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Goldmund,
I should have been more absolute, then, by saying it this way: "It would only be proper to say...'
I should have been more absolute, then, by saying it this way: "It would only be proper to say...'
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Hi guys,
'...but the one that was mine, is new.'
OK, but I don't think this is the most common thing that would be said in this context.
In addition, if we really want to go down this road a bit, would you not say ...but the one that was mine, was
'...but the one that was mine, is new.'
OK, but I don't think this is the most common thing that would be said in this context.
In addition, if we really want to go down this road a bit, would you not say ...but the one that was mine, was
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CliveOK, but I don't think this is the most common thing that would be said in this context.I have to disagree, Clive. The scenario involves how to express the situation as it relates to the current moment-- what is 'new' as opposed to is 'used', not what was new as opposed to what is used.
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I have to admit, I wouldn't be averse to:
1. I know that one's cheap; but mine is new.
"Mine", as convenient shorthand; "new", for pristine condition, rather than only-one-owner-ness; "is" because its condition hasn't changed since yesterday.
But I suppose much depends on whether you're buying or selling.
MrP
1. I know that one's cheap; but mine is new.
"Mine", as convenient shorthand; "new", for pristine condition, rather than only-one-owner-ness; "is" because its condition hasn't changed since yesterday.
But I suppose much depends on whether you're buying or selling.
MrP
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