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  #1 (permalink)  
Old 18-Sep-2004, 10:51
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Default question tense

Hello,

Which of this sentence is correct and why?

When did you go last to the cinema?
When did you last go to the cinema?
When did you go to the cinema last?

I don't understand this :(

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
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Old 18-Sep-2004, 15:41
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Default Re: question tense

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dany
Hello,

Which of this sentence is correct and why?

When did you go last to the cinema?
When did you last go to the cinema?
When did you go to the cinema last?

I don't understand this :(

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
1. When did you go last to the cinema?
2. When did you last go to the cinema?
3. When did you go to the cinema last?

The third sentence is the most common and usual. The second sentence sounds fairly common and usual too. The first sentence is the least common, but it is still correct. The position of an adverb can be changed for emphasis. Sometimes adverb placement can be very flexible. Other times adverb placement is very restrictive. It depends on the adverb and sometimes the sentence. Adverb placement in spoken language appears to be more flexible than in written language. Speakers take more liberties with it than writers. Spoken words are not always as well packaged and neat as writtten words. And that's okay. :) 8)


As for the second part of your post, could you give a couple examples? It would be easier to reply in that way.

Thanks,
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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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Old 18-Sep-2004, 16:47
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Default Re: question tense

Oops. Sorry. I didn't see you there.
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Old 19-Sep-2004, 09:06
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Default Re: question tense

Quote:
'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) :(
Thank you for your corrections and help. Now I understand this :D


Quote:
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
Example:

Pat: When you get home last night? (=correct?)
Sam: About 11.00.

Pat: What time you get home last night? (=correct?)
Sam: About 11.00.

Kind regards,
Dany
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Old 19-Sep-2004, 09:41
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Default

Quote:
Pat: When you get home last night? (=correct?)
Sam: About 11.00.

Pat: What time you get home last night? (=correct?)
Sam: About 11.00.

Both need an axiliary verb 'did' before the subject. :)
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Old 19-Sep-2004, 09:51
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Quote:
Originally Posted by blacknomi
Quote:
Pat: When you get home last night? (=correct?)
Sam: About 11.00.

Pat: What time you get home last night? (=correct?)
Sam: About 11.00.

Both need an axiliary verb 'did' before the subject. :)
Oooooooops
Thanks :D
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Old 19-Sep-2004, 15:24
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Default Re: question tense

Quote:
Originally Posted by Casiopea
Oops. Sorry. I didn't see you there.

No problem.

:D
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Old 19-Sep-2004, 16:08
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Default Re: question tense

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dany
Thank you for your corrections and help. Now I understand this :D
You're welcome. :D

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dany
Example:

Pat: When did you get home last night? (=correct?)
Sam: About 11:00.

Pat: What time did you get home last night? (=correct?)
Sam: About 11:00.
Both are correct.

All the best, :D
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Old 19-Sep-2004, 16:20
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Default Re: question tense

Quote:
Originally Posted by Casiopea
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dany
Thank you for your corrections and help. Now I understand this :D
You're welcome. :D

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dany
Example:

Pat: When did you get home last night? (=correct?)
Sam: About 11:00.

Pat: What time did you get home last night? (=correct?)
Sam: About 11:00.
Both are correct.

All the best, :D
Thank you :D
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