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Cup cake Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

Was...to talk about the future.

Hi Everyone,

I just noticed a statement and wondered how would you best explain the use of the simple past here...

'I thought it was next week.'

I just casually said this to someone and thought...hmmm, how would you explain the use of 'was' in this instance?

Many thanks
Miss baffled Emotion: smile
  

Top answer

My thought was "It is next week". The indirect form introduced by the past tense verb 'thought' leads to the backshifting of tenses,

— Fivejedjon

  • My thought was "It is next week".
  • The indirect form introduced by the past tense verb 'thought' leads to the backshifting of tenses,
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4 Answers
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My thought was "It is next week". The indirect form introduced by the past tense verb 'thought' leads to the backshifting of tenses,
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Hmmm...a little confusing still, but I've sort of worked it out I think.

The thought of thinking about the event next week, is actually in the past. I already had the thought, which can only lead to the use of 'was'.

I think I'm becoming slightly painful for a couple of my friends. I'm always analysing what I've heard. Lol

I'm sure I'm not the only English teacher that
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I think it is next week. (Because 'think' is present tense, it is followed by 'is', which is also present tense.)

I thought it was next week. (Because 'thought' is past tense, it is followed by 'was', which is also past tense.)
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Thanks tamguatlay...makes perfect sense now Emotion: smile
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