Munchun2004

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munchun2004

#54351 Tue, 09 Nov 04 02:12 PM

Could anyone tell me what is the difference between the clause 'I never thought I could do this before' and 'I never thought I could have done it before'. They both seem and sound similiar to me and I can't differentiate their meaning.

munchun2004

Joined on Fri, Nov 5 2004

New Member (45)

Difference Between, Clauses

Mister Micawber

#54353 Tue, 09 Nov 04 02:20 PM

Well hello, Munchun! Good to see you here. I hope you get satisfying answers at English Forums.

'I never thought I could do this before' -- you are 'doing this' now, in all likelihood.

'I never thought I could have done it before'-- you have just 'done this'; you have already successfully completed the act.