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Nkspb Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

The tenses after "so (that)"

Hi there Emotion: smile

I was very confused by the sentence:

"I need to hurry so I don't miss the train."  

Why is the Present Simple used here? Emotion: indifferent We are not talking about any planned routine here. 

Shouldn't it be:

"I need to hurry so I won't miss the train." ?

Thanks!
  

Top answer

" ? No. I wouldn't say it should be that.

— CalifJim

  • " ?
  • No.
  • I wouldn't say it should be that.
  • It can be that, but there is no requirement.
  • so I don't miss the train.
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3 Answers
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nkspbShouldn't it be: "I need to hurry so I won't miss the train." ?
No. I wouldn't say it should be that. It can be that, but there is no requirement.

... so I don't miss the train.
... so I won't miss the train.

Both are fine. We probably say "don't" more often.

CJ
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Thank you Emotion: smile But isn't it that we use the Present Simple for the future when talking about planned/repeatable things only?
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nkspbwe use the Present Simple for the future when talking about planned/repeatable things
That is a rough guideline given to less advanced students. And it's not a matter of "only". English grammar is more flexible than you might think, and the present tense can be used in various ways not directly related to this guideline.

CJ
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