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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?"
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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?
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Re: use of the past perfect

Originally Posted by
sanjay puranik
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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