0
Pleasehelp Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Thought

I thought you said you didn't like movies. Or

I thought you said you don't like movies.

Can both be used or only the first sentence?
  

Top answer

Hi, Consider this. If the person said this 30 years ago, use #1. If the person said this 30 seconds ago, #1 is OK but so is #2.

— Clive

  • Hi, Consider this.
  • If the person said this 30 years ago, use #1.
  • If the person said this 30 seconds ago, #1 is OK but so is #2.
  • Clive
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

5 Answers
0
Hi,

Consider this.

If the person said this 30 years ago, use #1.

If the person said this 30 seconds ago, #1 is OK but so is #2.

Clive

0
0
So just because thought is in the past tense it doesn't have to follow with didn't(past tense).

Are you sure Clive? Are you an English teacher. Just curious. Thanks
0
0
What about 3 days ago?

Should I use past perfect or present perfect?
0
0
Hi,

Yes, I'm an ESL teacher.

It's not a question of whether it is 3 days or 4 days. It's a question of whether the statement is still clearly true in the present situation.

If you are not sure, use past tense.

Clive
0
0
Thanks.

But I think I got it. Like for example if she told me that she didn't like to watch movies three days ago and I bumped into her twice at the movie theater after those three days, I'd probably say I thought you said you didn't like movies.

But if she had said it on the phone a few hours ago. I would use I thought you don't like movies!
0

Related Questions