0
PreciousJones Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
Thought
Why does a past tense have to follow thought? For example:
I thought you knew how to speak Spanish. And can't be I thought you know how to speak Spanish.
I thought you knew how to speak Spanish. And can't be I thought you know how to speak Spanish.
Top answer
It can be either way, so long as the condition still obtains at present. The first form is common among native speakers-- regression of the dependent verb with the main verb. It happens most commonly in reported speech.
- It can be either way, so long as the condition still obtains at present.
- The first form is common among native speakers-- regression of the dependent verb with the main verb.
- It happens most commonly in reported speech.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
3 Answers
0
It can be either way, so long as the condition still obtains at present. The first form is common among native speakers-- regression of the dependent verb with the main verb. It happens most commonly in reported speech.
00
"Thought" is past tense, so use "knew" (past tense). (This implies that you don't really speak Spanish.)
"I think you know how to speak Spanish (present tense). ( This implies that you do know Spanish, but are pretending not to).
"I think you know how to speak Spanish (present tense). ( This implies that you do know Spanish, but are pretending not to).
00
Your grammar book must be from Mars, Jeff. There are no such connotations.
0
Related Questions