choco_chip
New member
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2014
- Member Type
- Interested in Language
- Native Language
- English
- Home Country
- Canada
- Current Location
- Canada
Hi there, it's my first time posting on the site and I have a question for you guys..
What's the difference between these 2 sentences?
1. Did you need/want anything? VS 2.Do you need/want anything?
Because I often use the first sentence without actually thinking about it.
And I'm sure they're both correct..
Here's an example of when I would use these sentences..
I'll be on the phone telling my friend that I'm going to Safeway,
or telling my co-worker in person that I'm going to the Starbucks downstairs.
1. I'm going to Safeway (right now). Did you need/want anything?
2. I'm going to Safeway (right now). Do you need/want anything?
I usually say the first sentence, and I don't actually say 'right now,' and I use it when I'm just heading out somewhere.
I always thought that using the past tense (did), made it a little more polite. But when a friend who's an ESL student asked me, I started to question myself.
I'd love to hear what you think. Thanks for reading this!
What's the difference between these 2 sentences?
1. Did you need/want anything? VS 2.Do you need/want anything?
Because I often use the first sentence without actually thinking about it.
And I'm sure they're both correct..
Here's an example of when I would use these sentences..
I'll be on the phone telling my friend that I'm going to Safeway,
or telling my co-worker in person that I'm going to the Starbucks downstairs.
1. I'm going to Safeway (right now). Did you need/want anything?
2. I'm going to Safeway (right now). Do you need/want anything?
I usually say the first sentence, and I don't actually say 'right now,' and I use it when I'm just heading out somewhere.
I always thought that using the past tense (did), made it a little more polite. But when a friend who's an ESL student asked me, I started to question myself.
I'd love to hear what you think. Thanks for reading this!