“What if a child dreamed of becoming something other than what society had intended? What if a child aspired to something greater?”
This quote is adapted from the trailer of ‘Man of Steel’.
Why is the phrase in bold in past perfect tense, instead of perfect tense?
Thanks.
That tense has been backshifted due to the “What if a child dreamed …” construction.
Dozy,
“What if the use of all plastic grocery bags was banned?”
Is this sentence correct?
What is the meaning for it?
Dozy:
You interjected with simply a comment on my contribution in a duplicate post…no attempt to respond in your own way to the original question…
…and now, here again, you don’t address the question, which is, why not Perfect Tense?[/b]
(I won’t embarrass you by talking about when, to “backshift” tenses applies - and when it doesn’t.)[/b]
Though, while we are discussing this post, I wonder how many Americans would object to the idea that they speak ‘American’ rather than ‘English’…
…as you - depicted in your profile as a UK resident - do!.
Let it go, Dozy: they won the American War of Independence. They are Americans now.
You have some strange ideas, Bazza. In what country were you raised? You don’t seem to be a native English speaker from Britain or America.
Yes, it’s correct.
It is conjecture. The speaker is asking what the result would be if the use of plastic grocery bags was banned. (‘was’ relates to ‘the use’)
You have some strange ideas, Beeesnees… or tell me where I am wrong:
[color=red]“What if the use of all plastic grocery bags was banned?”
You say this is correct. I say:
[color=indigo]“What if the use of all plastic grocery bags were banned?”
( or do you have some advanced knowledge of legislation making this an, as yet, undisclosed FACT!)
The clue is: “What if…”
(…and still dodging the original question asked. WHY?)
That can only be the response of a non-native speaker of English, who lacks an understanding of the nuances acceptable in everyday conversation.
…or the response of a native speaker who has a better grasp and understanding of the English language than you.
But… let’s stop: this animosity has now spilt over into this post.
I concede. I give up. You win: your capacity to obfuscate is better than mine ( and that of whatever I would ever want it to be.)
I’ve never pretended to be anything that I’m not.
Perhaps that’s why I can’t understand those who do.
I[color=red]'ve never pretended to be anything that I’m not.
Perhaps that’s why I can’t understand those who do.
And here, folks, we call an end to it. We are far from discussing issues about the English language…
I have stated my opinion.
In the absence of a response that addresses the poster’s question, I have no further comment until someone is able to knowledgeably challenge that, does so.
Thanks Beeesneees, you have always been helpful.
Thank you too, Dozy. I realized it was a ‘what if’ construction after I posted it. Nevertheless, I appreciate your contribution very much. ; )