Past simple + present simple

Question

Hello, I have a question about the following sentence:

Neither your teachers, nor your parents knew that were so gifted.

Would it be ok, to use the present simple form of the verb 'to be' in the second part of the sentence, if we mean that someone is still gifted (it is his//her general feature, not only in the past):

2. Neither your teachers, nor your parents knew that are so gifted.

If not, if I use the present perfect, would it be acceptable to use the present simple form of the verb 'to be' in the second part of the sentence?

3. Neither your teachers, nor your parents have known that are so gifted.

Thank you!

Kind regards,

Coincidence.

Jei · Accepted Answer

Hi. Something is missing in your sentence.

Neither your teachers, nor your parents knew that were so gifted.

Neither your teachers, nor your parents knew that are so gifted.

Neither your teachers, nor your parents have known that are so gifted.

maybe you mean:

a. Neither your teachers, nor your parents knew that you were so gifted.

b. Neither your teachers, nor your parents knew that you are so gifted.

c. Neither your teachers, nor your parents have known that you are so gifted.

All of the above are correct gramatically.

If you mean that someone is still gifted, it is better to use b.

Hope this helps.

MashaPavlovna · Answer

I wouldn't use the present perfect version (c).

If you want to imply that now they know you are gifted, but they didn't know in the past, use (a) or (b).

These could also imply that they didn't know in the past, and they will never have a chance to know.

If they still don't know that you are gifted, use the present simple: "Neither your teachers nor your parents know that you are so gifted." This implies that you are still at school and the teachers are your current teachers.

btw, the comma is unnecessary after "teachers"

Hope that helps!

Past simple + present simple

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