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Anonymous Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

tense problems

Hi all,

I'm unsure about the highlighted words in the following. Are they ok or should I change them?

Thanks.

"If I were to tell you what I think (thought?) of you, I'd be sacked from my job"

"I told her that I am (was?) happy in my job"

"I said to her that I do (did?) not know where Bob had gone to"

Thanks again...
  

Top answer

In the first sentence the use of a present tense (think) emphasises what your opinion is now . The past tense (thought) refers to the past; your opinion may have changed by now. ) happy in my job" Both are right.

— Cool Breeze

  • In the first sentence the use of a present tense (think) emphasises what your opinion is now .
  • The past tense (thought) refers to the past; your opinion may have changed by now.
  • ) happy in my job" Both are right.
  • The sequence of tenses would require was but if you are still happy, the present tense is also possible.
  • ) not know where Bob had gone to " I would use did in your sentence because of the that clause.
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3 Answers
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In the first sentence the use of a present tense (think) emphasises what your opinion is now. The past tense (thought) refers to the past; your opinion may have changed by now.
"I told her that I am (was?) happy in my job" Both are right. The sequence of tenses would require was but if you are still happy, the present tense is also possible.
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If I were to tell you what I think (thought?) of you, I'd be sacked from my job
Cool BreezeIn the first sentence the use of a present tense (think) emphasises what your opinion is now. The past tense (thought) refers to the past; your opinion may have changed by now.
Hmmm.

To me, in this type of construction, "thought" does not have to re
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Mr WordyTo me, in this type of construction, "thought" does not have to refer to the past. It can do, but, for me it can (and very often does) mean that you think it right now.

Addition: If I wanted to indicate what I had thought in the past, I would say "If I were to tell you what I used to think about you..."

I agree. I forgot to mention t
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