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Zygis Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Usage of two tenses in one sentence.

Hello, I wonder if I can use two tenses (the past and the future in my case) in one sentence? My example:

I have planned ( present perfect but still refers to the past) a course of three dishes which you will be able to choose from the menu.

Thank you.
  

Top answer

Sounds good to me.

  • Sounds good to me.
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8 Answers
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And which is correct now?

I planned a course of three dishes which you will / would be able to choose from the menu.

Thanks.
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I planned a course of three dishes which you would be able to choose from the menu.

Regards
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Hi,

I wonder if I can use two tenses (the past and the future in my case) in one sentence?

Sure, it's very, very common.

eg I bought a book yesterday which I will read tomorrow.

a course of three dishes is not a natural expression. I don't know what you
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Would it be better if I had used "a three course meal"?

CliveSure, it's very, very common.
eg I bought a book yesterday which I will read tomorrow.


But is it grammatically correct? Shouldn't we use "would" here instead of "will", because of the past time?

Thanks a lot!
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The process of reading (or in your example, the choosing) is still in the future. It's not past. You don't want to use "would."

(Would used like that would need a conditional.)

We see many questions from English learners about mixing tenses in a sentence. There seems to be a wide-spread belief that you can't do this, but it's a mistaken belief.
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And ou should be using Present Perfect in this case, since what the person HAS PLANNED is relevant for now and future events (There is there course meal now, that you will have to choose from).

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