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Japanlluvr Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

present vs past tense

When you want to ask the person's name again/ as confirmation
Do you say:

What 'was' your name (again)?

or

What 'is' your name(again)?

i've heard people use the past tense when they ask for someone's name: when the person mentioned his/her name a minute ago.

why is it in past tense when that person's name has always been that name? eg, His name is Peter, and has it always been from birth until present.

Please reply, Thank you.
  

Top answer

I think the correct form should be in the present. " with the past form of the former question. " .

— MrGuedes

  • I think the correct form should be in the present.
  • " with the past form of the former question.
  • " .
  • It's normally a question you ask quite quickly and suddenly, so you end up not thinking much about its accuracy.
  • But I think the correct way is using the present.
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5 Answers
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I think the correct form should be in the present. But, sometimes, some people may not think much before saying that, and they're "trying" to say "What did you say is your name (again)?", but end up mixing "What is your name (again)?" with the past form of the former question. Thus, they say "What was your name (again)?". It's normally a question you ask quite quickly and sudd
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"What was your name again?" means, I didn't catch your name when you said it before. Please repeat it. It is a polite expression, with an implied "excuse me."
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Hi AlpEmotion: stars, could we also say 'What did you tell me your name was' if I haven't heard properly f
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What did you say your name was? (This is a very common expression used at a party or meeting. Many people have trouble remembering lots of names!)
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so would it be also correct to say : 'what was your name again?' a few days after you meet the same person again?
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