[Vocabulary] A question of nuance?

[vcolts]

I have the following two sentences:

I don't think you understood me correctly.

I don't think you understand me correctly.

If I use the first sentence, I mean that the person didn't understand but now maybe does? Can it also mean that he still dosen't?

Would it be unfitting/wrong to use the first sentence?

Should I use the second sentence?


Thanks in advance.

[opa6x57]

I'm not a teacher...

Originally Posted by vcolts

I have the following two sentences:

I don't think you understood me correctly.

I don't think you understand me correctly.

If I use the first sentence, I mean that the person didn't understand but now maybe does? Can it also mean that he still dosen't?

Would it be unfitting/wrong to use the first sentence?

Should I use the second sentence?


Thanks in advance.

To say that a person doesn't currently understand you - you might say:
"I don't think you are understanding me correctly."

However - understand is a present-tense verb. So - the second sentence would be correct, too - meaning that the person doesn't currently/presently understand.

The first sentence would be useful if you were discussing a conversion that was in the past - as in this exchange:

Him: "I missed seeing you yesterday."
You: "I don't thing you understood me correctly, I meant we should meet at the bar."

[sarat_106]

Originally Posted by vcolts

I have the following two sentences:

I don't think you understood me correctly.

I don't think you understand me correctly.

If I use the first sentence, I mean that the person didn't understand but now maybe does? Can it also mean that he still dosen't?

Would it be unfitting/wrong to use the first sentence?

Should I use the second sentence?


Thanks in advance.

I don't think you understood me correctly. Means you did not understand what I said then ( may be 7 days ago). Although you have not mentioned the specific time frame here but you do have in mind one specific time in the past. So it may be possible that he may understand you now or in future.
I don't think you understand me correctly. Means the person in question usually do not have the mental capacity to understand you, which may be inherent in him. . So he was unable to understand you in the past nor he understands you currently nor will do so in the future.

[qyhuo]

very clear explanation,