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Thread: simple past tense and now

  1. #1
    ridvann is offline Member
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    Default simple past tense and now

    Hello,

    I have just seen this conversation in American tv series.

    - I suspect this is my fault.
    - What did you do now?

    I would like to know if we can use 'now' with simple past or not.

    Thanks...

  2. #2
    Barb_D's Avatar
    Barb_D is online now Moderator
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    Default Re: simple past tense and now

    In this case, the use of "now" means "in this situation, compared to the many times you've messed things up in prior situations."

    You could also say "What have you done this time?!"
    5jj and ridvann like this.
    I'm not a teacher, but I write for a living. Please don't ask me about 2nd conditionals, but I'm a safe bet for what reads well in (American) English.

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    Default Re: simple past tense and now

    I would say, "What have you done now?" or "What have you done this time?"(BrE) "What did you do now?" sounds wrong to me.
    emsr2d2 likes this.

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    ridvann is offline Member
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    Default Re: simple past tense and now

    I have been so confused about it. Because I saw it on tv. I don't know if it is ok or not. Please help me.
    Last edited by ridvann; 16-Jan-2012 at 15:56.

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    5jj
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    Default Re: simple past tense and now

    Quote Originally Posted by ridvann View Post
    I have been so confused about it. Because I saw it on tv. I don't know if it is ok or not. Please help me.
    Barb's reply suggested that it is acceptable in American English; she explained how 'now' was used.
    ridvann likes this.
    Context is always important; labelling is rarely important.


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