[Grammar] I found that

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habis

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1. I found that you have used word "we" many times
2. I found that you had used word "we" many times
3. I found that it is right to be honest.

which one is correct? or all of them are correct? How should I use the correct tense for the subordinate clause?
 

BobK

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1. I found that you have used ^the word "we" many times :cross: The present perfect doesn't work with 'found'.
2. I found that you had used ^the word "we" many times
3. I found that it is right to be honest. :tick: Unlike 1, the mixed tenses work here.
...

2 is right as far as the tenses are concerned, but needs the article.

b
 

Matthew Wai

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1. I found that he is a teacher. :tick:
2. I found that he was a teacher. :tick:
3. I found that he had been a teacher. :tick:
4. I found that he has been a teacher. :cross:

Am I right?
 

Peedeebee

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I can see a situation where number 1 would work.
Imagine I am sitting with my student looking over their work, which I assessed earlier in the day. Then I could say "I found" (relating to earlier), and the phrase "you have used" relates to the paper we are presently looking at together.
A bit obscure but the situation could arise, probably in speaking rather than writing.
 

Peedeebee

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Matthew;
4. could still work- it would suggest the person is no longer a teacher.
A listener might say after 2. or 3. "When was that?"
or after 4. "So what happened to him?"
or after 2. "Is he still a teacher?"
 
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