The use of Understood in the present
i was told I was wrong by a french girl who is just learning the english language!
"It is time the french understood what tennis is."
Is it understand? Or have I used understood in the right context. I instinctively believe I have and it sounds like I have heard it before.
Note: (referring to their lack of knowledge about what makes a tennis player good) (almost what tennis is all about)
Re: The use of Understood in the present
Hello Unreg,
1. It is time (that) the French understood what tennis is.
You are quite right: "understand" would not be idiomatic here; "understood" is required.
I would call it a subjunctive usage.
All the best,
MrP