try or tried?

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asha_srinivasan

New member
Joined
May 17, 2006
Hi,

I would like to know the correct answer tot he following question:

I suggested that she _______ calling after lunch but she ignored me.

1) try
2) tries
3) tried
4) trying

Appreciate a quick reply.

Thanks and regards,
Asha
 
M

matilda

Guest
try

the first one is correct. you do everything on the first part of the complex sentence.
 
Joined
May 15, 2006
matilda said:
try
the first one is correct. you do everything on the first part of the complex sentence.



I suggest that she "try" calling after lunch but she ignores me??

tried makes more sense then "try" tried is in the past tense but even so its hard to say
 

Gisbeth

New member
Joined
Mar 20, 2006
I'm not very keen on it.... but I would say "tried" is the correct answer, as in spanish, you have to use the verb in its past form.;-)
 
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matilda

Guest
i think Tdol. Mrp or other great teachers should answer it.

it's better.
 

rewboss

Key Member
Joined
Feb 25, 2006
Member Type
English Teacher
MyLastestPlague said:
I suggest that she "try" calling after lunch but she ignores me??
tried makes more sense then "try" tried is in the past tense but even so its hard to say
"Tried" is the past tense right enough, but the past tense is already there in "suggested". Try this sentence: "I suggested that she tried..." It doesn't quite work does it?

What's required here is actually the present tense, but in the subjunctive mood.

The subjunctive mood is dying out in English, but this is one example where it is still often used: following verbs of command or request. "Suggest" here is a verb of command (although it's a very mild command).

The subjunctive looks like the basic form of the verb. Here are some examples:

I inisist that he leave now.
They recommended that Jane appeal the sentence.
We suggest you be here tomorrow.

In British English, this rule is not quite so well-known, and many native speakers get it wrong. Instead, we sometimes use "should", like this:

I insist that he should leave now.
 

jomo27

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Dec 3, 2007
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Indonesian
Home Country
Indonesia
Current Location
China
I choose 'Try' rather than 'Tried'.
 

gdonuts

Junior Member
Joined
Feb 23, 2008
Member Type
Academic
It is of course "try" as in this case the sentence is imperative....and in such case you should use the subjunctive tense..."subjunctive" is that right...
 
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