Re: tense possibility with differring context

Clive — Tue, 06 May 2008 04:34:22 GMT

Hi,

1. Are these all possible depend on what you want to say? With their tensical implications? Yes, all possible.

Jake hit him first, with a long soft sponge he 1) was/2) had used/3) had been using to wash dishes.

2. Sorry, when we use the phrase 'a piece of', can we use that with a countable noun? Can we attach an article? Yes, we can.

a piece of a ruler or a piece of ruler??

a piece of a sponge or a piece of sponge??

Best wishes, Clive

tense possibility with differring context

Anonymous — Tue, 06 May 2008 04:04:57 GMT

Hi, I have two questons.

1. Are these all possible depend on what you want to say? With their tensical implications?

Jake hit him first, with a long soft sponge he 1) was/2) had used/3) had been using to wash dishes.

To me, no. 2 and 3 set the events one before the other and no. 3 adding the factor of the continuance.

2. Sorry, when we use the phrase 'a piece of', can we use that with a countable noun? Can we attach an article?

a piece of a ruler or a piece of ruler??

a piece of a sponge or a piece of sponge??