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Debpriya De Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Present simple

"He will do what/whatever I tell him to do."
Why do we use present simple in the subordinate clause ?
Isn't it right that simple present tense is used in subordinate clauses to refer to the future only when the subordinator is "when", "as soon as" and other such subordinators denoting time ?
  

Top answer

" Why do we use present simple in the subordinate clause ? The auxiliary verb "will" in the main clause makes it clear that his "doing" will take place at some time in the future. There's no need to restate that fact (though you can if you like) by repeating "will" in the subordinate clause, so the present tense is sufficient and perfectly normal.

— BillJ

  • " Why do we use present simple in the subordinate clause ?
  • The auxiliary verb "will" in the main clause makes it clear that his "doing" will take place at some time in the future.
  • There's no need to restate that fact (though you can if you like) by repeating "will" in the subordinate clause, so the present tense is sufficient and perfectly normal.
  • Debpriya De Isn't it right that simple present tense is used in subordinate clauses to refer to the future only when the subordinator is "when", "as soon as" and other such subordinators denoting time ?
  • No, as your sentence proves!
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1 Answers
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Debpriya De"He will do what/whatever I tell him to do."
Why do we use present simple in the subordinate clause ?
The auxiliary verb "will" in the main clause makes it clear that his "doing" will take place at some time in the future. There's no need to restate that fact (though you can if you like) by repeating "will" in the subordinate clause, so the pres
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