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  1. #1
    sanjay puranik is offline Newbie
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    Default use of the past perfect

    imagine the following scenario

    I arrive in the office somewhat frayed at the edges. Before I can settle down a subordinates comes to me with a trivial complaint. I lose my patience after hearing him out and ask him "Is this what you had come to tell me?"
    Could I have said "Is this what you came to tell me?" or "Is this what you have come to tel me?"

  2. #2
    Harry Smith's Avatar
    Harry Smith is offline Key Member
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    Default Re: use of the past perfect

    Is this what you have come to tell me?" is more correct.

    Of course you can say: that's what you've come to tell me?

  3. #3
    albertino is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: use of the past perfect

    Quote Originally Posted by sanjay puranik View Post
    imagine the following scenario

    I arrive in the office somewhat frayed at the edges. Before I can settle down a subordinates comes to me with a trivial complaint. I lose my patience after hearing him out and ask him "Is this what you had come to tell me?"
    Could I have said "Is this what you came to tell me?" or "Is this what you have come to tel me?"
    Pardon me for chipping in, Harry.
    I think "I arrive at the office" is better than "arrive in the office" in sanjay puranik's sentence.
    (Not a teacher)

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