[Grammar] didn't wash / hasn't washed

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mihallure

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Is it also possible to use "hasn't washed' besides the variant indicated as being the correct one i.e. "didn't wash"?
"Jim .................. the dishes after dinner. The kitchen sink is full of plates".
Since we can still see the results of the action (the sink full of dishes) I'm also thinking the present perfect would be correct.
Thank you!
 

White Hat

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In American English, they tend not to use the Present Perfect in cases similar to yours. I was weaned on British English (and then lived in the US for 15 years) - so I may use either, depending on the way it sounds (the beauty of it).
 

White Hat

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I might be wrong, though.
 

5jj

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Is it also possible to use "hasn't washed' besides the variant indicated as being the correct one i.e. "didn't wash"?
"Jim .................. the dishes after dinner. The kitchen sink is full of plates".
Since we can still see the results of the action (the sink full of dishes) I'm also thinking the present perfect would be correct.
The phrase 'after dinner' locates the non-washing in the past, and didn't wash would be natural for most speakers of BrE.
 

SoothingDave

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"Didn't wash" is what I would say, too.
 
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