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PreciousJones Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Pass

Speaking hypothetically:

"Let's just say you passed the test, would you be able to use the certificate right away?" Or

"Let's just say you pass the test, will you be able to use the certificate right away?"

So if I'm speaking figuratively, I should always use the past tense form, is that correct? Or can both sentences be used?

Thank you!
  

Top answer

PreciousJones speaking figuratively What you're talking about is not called "speaking figuratively", but I think I understand what you mean. I think you're talking about cases where you're just guessing or imagining what could happen. PreciousJones I should always use the past tense form Not always.

— CalifJim

  • PreciousJones speaking figuratively What you're talking about is not called "speaking figuratively", but I think I understand what you mean.
  • I think you're talking about cases where you're just guessing or imagining what could happen.
  • PreciousJones I should always use the past tense form Not always.
  • In this case, if you feel that this person is pretty certain to pass the test, use the present.
  • The way it's worded, I would even go so far as to say that the present tense would give that person some subtle encouragement to pass the test because it shows confidence in them.
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1 Answers
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PreciousJonesspeaking figuratively
What you're talking about is not called "speaking figuratively", but I think I understand what you mean. I think you're talking about cases where you're just guessing or imagining what could happen.
PreciousJonesI should always use the past tense form
Not always. In this case, if you feel
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