I never thought I'd win the prize, but I'm happy I got to make a run at it.

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Peaceblinkfriend

#543037 Fri, 18 Jul 08 12:54 PM

I never thought I'd win the prize, but I'm happy I got to make a run at it.

Did I win the prize or not?

Thanks

PBF

Joined on Wed, May 9 2007

Australia

Contributing Member (1,570)

Grammar Geek

#543050 Fri, 18 Jul 08 01:49 PM

I"d say no.

If you did.

I never thought I'd win the prize. I was just happy I got to make a run for it.

That is, first you were happy that you got to try. Now you are happy that you won. So, the "happy about trying" part goes into the past tense.

Joined on Tue, Jan 10 2006

Pennsylvania, USA

Veteran Member (15,583)

Barbara, who answers in American English.

Mister Micawber

#543051 Fri, 18 Jul 08 01:50 PM

.
Either interpretation is possible; 'but' makes not winning more likely, to my mind.

Joined on Wed, Aug 4 2004

Yokohama

Veteran Member (21,223)

'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.'