Thread: question tense
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Old 18-Sep-2004, 16:46
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Default Re: question tense

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dany
Hello,

Which of these sentences is correct and why?

1. When did you go last to the cinema? :(
2. When did you last go to the cinema? :D
3. When did you go to the cinema last? :D
'last' modifies the entire verb phrase 'go to the cinema'. 'to the cinema' functions as the object of the verb 'go'. Together, 'go' and 'to the cinema' form the verb phrase proper.

Note that, Words that modify verbs are called adverbs. 'last' is an adverb. The term adverb means, add to the meaning of a verb, so since 'last' is supposed to add to the meaning of the verb, it should go next to the verb, the whole verb phrase, either at the beginning or the end, but never in the middle. :D

Beginning: last go to the cinema (OK) :D
End: go to the cinema last (OK) :D
Middle: go last to the cinema (Not OK) :(

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dany
By the way. I have yet another question about "When" and "What time".

Is it correct, that I have to use "when" if I ask about a time frame, and "What time" if I ask about the point of time? :?

Kind regards,
Dany
Yes, but it's also possible to use "When" to ask about a point in time:

Pat: When are we leaving?
Sam: We are leaving at 5:00/on Monday/today.

All the best, :D
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