M malta22 Member Joined Apr 17, 2009 Member Type Other Native Language Italian Home Country Italy Current Location Malta Dec 13, 2012 #1 Are these sentences right? The children have been happy since their dad has returned home. She knew that I could have already checked the homework.
Are these sentences right? The children have been happy since their dad has returned home. She knew that I could have already checked the homework.
Barb_D Moderator Staff member Joined Mar 12, 2007 Member Type Other Native Language American English Home Country United States Current Location United States Dec 13, 2012 #2 malta22 said: Are these sentences right? The children have been happy since their dad [STRIKE]has [/STRIKE]returned home. She knew that I could have already checked the homework. Click to expand... For the first one, "since" works better when you refer to a specific point in the past - the date when their father returned home. The second one is possible. What situation do you mean to describe?
malta22 said: Are these sentences right? The children have been happy since their dad [STRIKE]has [/STRIKE]returned home. She knew that I could have already checked the homework. Click to expand... For the first one, "since" works better when you refer to a specific point in the past - the date when their father returned home. The second one is possible. What situation do you mean to describe?
M malta22 Member Thread starter Joined Apr 17, 2009 Member Type Other Native Language Italian Home Country Italy Current Location Malta Dec 19, 2012 #3 Thanks Barb D for you reply. The second sentence shows a situation. Someone had a difficulty about the homework. She called me late in the evening because she knew that at that hour my homework would be already done.
Thanks Barb D for you reply. The second sentence shows a situation. Someone had a difficulty about the homework. She called me late in the evening because she knew that at that hour my homework would be already done.
Barb_D Moderator Staff member Joined Mar 12, 2007 Member Type Other Native Language American English Home Country United States Current Location United States Dec 19, 2012 #4 Then I suggest you replace "could" with "would" in your sentence, and replace "checked" with "completed." She knew that I would have already completed the homework.
Then I suggest you replace "could" with "would" in your sentence, and replace "checked" with "completed." She knew that I would have already completed the homework.