puzzle
Senior Member
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2007
- Member Type
- Interested in Language
- Native Language
- Chinese
- Home Country
- China
- Current Location
- China
I read this from an essay:
I learned early that crying out in protest could accomplish things. My older brothers and sister would sometimes come in from school and ask for something. My mother, impatiently, would tell them no. But I would cry out and make a fuss until I got what I wanted. I remember well how my mother asked me why I couldn't be a nice boy.So early in life, I had learned that if you want something, you had better make some noise.
I understand the writer is talking about something that happens in the past. Therefore, all verbs used past tense.
My questions are:
Why not " I remembered well how my mother........" but " I remember well...." and " I had learned that if you wanted something......." but " I had learned that if you want something....."
Please.
I learned early that crying out in protest could accomplish things. My older brothers and sister would sometimes come in from school and ask for something. My mother, impatiently, would tell them no. But I would cry out and make a fuss until I got what I wanted. I remember well how my mother asked me why I couldn't be a nice boy.So early in life, I had learned that if you want something, you had better make some noise.
I understand the writer is talking about something that happens in the past. Therefore, all verbs used past tense.
My questions are:
Why not " I remembered well how my mother........" but " I remember well...." and " I had learned that if you wanted something......." but " I had learned that if you want something....."
Please.