Which tense to use?

Question

Even though I didn't join the scheme, I can still help you now. If I want to emphasize this present moment that I cannot help you, can I use the present tense in the second clause? thanks

Nef · Accepted Answer

MyShirley
Even though I didn't join the scheme, I can still help you now.

If I want to emphasize this present moment that I cannot help you, can I use the present tense in the second clause?

thanks

Hi,

It is OK to use the tenses that way.

But I'm confused. Your first sentence said that you "can" help now.

And your second sentence said that you want to emphasize that you "cannot" help "at the present moment".

So the wording in the first sentence and the intent in the second sentence seem to contradict one another.

(With "even though", the idea of "cannot" help now doesn't work. It does work with "can". )

Nef · Answer

Back again.

1. Let's say that the scheme or plan went into effect today, and that you had not been involved in that scheme.

Today you would say

I didn't join the scheme and I can't help you.

(You'd say it a little differently to be polite, but that's the main idea. You weren't involved, you don't know enough about it, and you can't help anyone with it.)

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2. But let's say that you spend next week learning about the scheme and know enough to be involved in the future.

At the end of next week, you can say

Even though I didn't join the scheme, I can still help you now. ("still" is OK here, but you don't need it)

or

I wasn't part of the original group who worked on the scheme, but I can help you now.

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One more thing. In some places, "scheme" has something of a negative connotation (something sneaky or impractical, perhaps). But I think you are using it in the sense that it means a plan. (And this is another perfectly good meaning. In fact it's the first definition listed in the dictionary I used.) If the people you talk to understand "scheme" the first way the dictionary defines it...great. But if "scheme" isn't commonly used for what you are working on, "plan" or "project" (or something else) might be a better word to choose.

From www.dictionary.com

scheme

noun, verb, schemed, scheming.

–noun

1. a plan, design, or program of action to be followed; project.

2. an underhand plot; intrigue.

3. a visionary or impractical project.

(…other definitions, also)

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