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Floralex Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Thought it best = thought it would be best ???

Hello,

Would someone please tell me if the following is true?

For the first 2 how come there are 2 choices and for the last only one? Which of the 2 choices does the bold part mean?


I thought it best to stay here. = I though that it was best to stay here. or I though that it would be best to stay here.


I thought it wise to stay here. = I though that it was wise to stay here. or I thought it would be wise to stay here.

I thought her very pretty. = I though that she was pretty.

Thank you very much
  

Top answer

floralex For the first 2 how come there are 2 choices and for the last only one? "To stay here" is a future plan of action, unreal at the time of the thinking. ) floralex Which of the 2 choices does the bold part mean?

— Avangi

  • floralex For the first 2 how come there are 2 choices and for the last only one?
  • "To stay here" is a future plan of action, unreal at the time of the thinking.
  • ) floralex Which of the 2 choices does the bold part mean?
  • In my opinion, it can mean either one.
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1 Answers
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floralexFor the first 2 how come there are 2 choices and for the last only one?
"To stay here" is a future plan of action, unreal at the time of the thinking.
"She was pretty" is a present condition, backshifted as "reported thought."

(I hope a professional grammarian will have a better explanation!)
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