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Lawrence H. Song Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

The past tense?

1-1. I should have told A that B is C's wife.
1-2. I should have told A that B was C's wife.

In the case B and C are still married, which one is right?
What about B and C are now divorced?

2-1. I have believed that B is C's wife.
2-2. I have believed that B was C's wife.

In the case B and C are still married, which one is right?
What about B and C are now divorced?
  

Top answer

Lawrence H. Song 1-1. I should have told A that B is C's wife.

— Yankee

  • Lawrence H.
  • Song 1-1.
  • I should have told A that B is C's wife.
  • 1-2.
  • I should have told A that B was C's wife.
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3 Answers
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Lawrence H. Song1-1. I should have told A that B is C's wife.
1-2. I should have told A that B was C's wife.

In the case B and C are still married, which one is right? You can use either sentence.
What about B and C are now divorced? To express this meaning clearly, I might say "I should have t
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Thank you,

using the past tense in a 'that clause' is always confusing.
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Hi,

1-1. I should have told A that B is C's wife.
1-2. I should have told A that B was C's wife.

Here's another factor to consider in deciding about is/was. How long ago was the occasion on which you should have told A this?

eg Was it 20 minutes ago? Or 20 years ago?

Best wishes, Clive

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