In Constructions^x, Tenses^x

They had a divorced due to different characteristics

I'd describe the secretary's use of other than past tenses in these three cases as "discretionary." Would be let; was being made; would be completed, are all fine. For practical purposes, the secretary may view his work as a record for posterity, or he may be thinking in...

hello, "The chairman of the building committee reported that bids will be let on the new construction in January." You tell what happened in the meeting. The chairman gave his report. PAST TENSE. What did he report? He reported that progress is being made. PRESENT PROGRESSIVE...

Hello again, So, we don't have to use the past tense throughout when writing minutes, do we? for example, 'All the members agreed to build a new building.' This sentence should be in the present tense, right? ".The construction of a new building will start next year.'...

Dummy IT, not dummy IF! It seems to me that sometimes the IF-clause is what the IT represents.It would surprise me if Mike failed the exam.is essentially"if Mike failed the exam" would surprise me.orMike's failure would surprise me.I only make the observation that, in my opinion,...

Hi. Welcome to EnglishForums. I am writing this to you to thank you for being my best friend. I met (have met?? why?? because you are talking about past) you approximately five years in the *** University's bookstore and since then, you have been standing (have been is also possible) by...

This is a modal construction (could), not a subjunctive.Here's a subjunctive (underlined): It is important that you be right. I'm not sure what you're asking, I guess.CJ

Hi all, Can someone check and correct this letter please. In order to get a more usual construction in English. Thanks in advance, poet. I would like to use this letter as an opportunity to share with you my music tastes as well as my readings. Perhaps you are not very familiar with the...

Hi, YSchneider. I am not a native speaker and this is indeed a tough grammar point for non-native speakers.Here is an extract from CGEL*: Did you lock the front door?

I have tried to make sense of this type of construction and I think I've just reached my limit. I have to say I can't accept the first sentence in the first statement. Could you explain why the tense inconsistency between the sentences in the first statement is possible?