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Tenacious Learner Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

Present perfect and simple past in the same sentence

Hello teachers,
Would this conversation be appropriate? Can I use the present perfect and simple past in the same sentence?
A: Peter, have you done what I told you?
B: No, I haven't. I haven't fed the cat yet.
A: Really. You are impossible, Peter!

Thanks in advance.
  

Top answer

A: Peter, have you done what I told you? It doesn't always work to combine those tenses, but it works in your example. I would add "to do" at the end.

— CalifJim

  • A: Peter, have you done what I told you?
  • It doesn't always work to combine those tenses, but it works in your example.
  • I would add "to do" at the end.
  • CJ
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11 Answers
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Tenacious LearnerCan I use the present perfect and simple past in the same sentence?A: Peter, have you done what I told you?
It doesn't always work to combine those tenses, but it works in your example.

I would add "to do" at the end.

CJ
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It works for me! Emotion: yes - A.
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CalifJimIt doesn't always work to combine those tenses, but it works in your example.
Hi Jim,
For once, I hit the nail on the head.
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AvangiIt works for me!
Hi Avangi,
I've got already two points. Unusual, but true.Emotion: wink

T
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CalifJimI would add "to do" at the end.
I agree, but it's quite common to omit it in casual conversation. Do what I tell you!
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Hello,
Shouldn't this sentence use a question mark after 'really'?
A: Really? You are impossible, Peter!

TL
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Tenacious LearnerShouldn't this sentence use a question mark after 'really'?
You can do that. It depends on the intonation you are trying to imitate.

It can be said either way. Without the question mark, it's more like saying, "You are really impossible, Peter". With the question mark, it questions whether the preceding remark is true.

CJ
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Tenacious LearnerReally? You are impossible, Peter!
The question mark is quite possible, of course.
But in hyperbole, the inflection could call for an exclamation point. (Or it could be said in quiet disgust.)
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CalifJimWithout the question mark, it's more like saying, "You are really impossible, Peter".
Hi Jim,
Thanks for the explanation. Would it also sound natural if I say, 'You really are impossible, Peter'?

TL
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Tenacious LearnerWould it also sound natural if I say, 'You really are impossible, Peter'?
Yes.

CJ
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