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Anonymous Posted 12 years ago
Grammar
Prefer that?
Hi all,
There is a question. I couldn't solve it.
I preferred that she ..... here.
a- stay
b- stayed
The answer is a. I don't know why. This one is in simple past but verb is present. Explanation needed. Thank you.
There is a question. I couldn't solve it.
I preferred that she ..... here.
a- stay
b- stayed
The answer is a. I don't know why. This one is in simple past but verb is present. Explanation needed. Thank you.
Top answer
"stay" is actually a subjunctive form, in this case describing a desired state, not a simple present tense (if it was present tense it would have to be "she stays"). The same nominally present subjunctive form can be used for both present and past desires.
- "stay" is actually a subjunctive form, in this case describing a desired state, not a simple present tense (if it was present tense it would have to be "she stays").
- The same nominally present subjunctive form can be used for both present and past desires.
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2 Answers
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"stay" is actually a subjunctive form, in this case describing a desired state, not a simple present tense (if it was present tense it would have to be "she stays"). The same nominally present subjunctive form can be used for both present and past desires.
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