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#2 (permalink) Sat Jun 19, 2010 18:34 pm 'just bought' vs 'just has bought' |
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Because of the word "just", Saneta. It would be correct if that weren't in the sentence, but the structure 'just has bought' isn't used. You need the simple past tense. _________________ "Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened."
Terry Pratchett |
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Beeesneees Language Coach

Joined: 08 Apr 2010 Posts: 39144 Location: UK, born and bred
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#3 (permalink) Sat Jun 19, 2010 18:39 pm 'just bought' vs 'just has bought' |
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Ok Beeeseneees, but the following, another contruction exists: My brother has just bought a new television. Do you agree with me? Thank You very much for your help:) |
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Saneta I'm a Communicator ;-)

Joined: 11 Sep 2008 Posts: 1583
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#4 (permalink) Sat Jun 19, 2010 19:07 pm 'just bought' vs 'just has bought' |
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Yes, I agree. If that were the structure it would be fine. _________________ "Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened."
Terry Pratchett |
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Beeesneees Language Coach

Joined: 08 Apr 2010 Posts: 39144 Location: UK, born and bred
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#5 (permalink) Sat Jun 19, 2010 19:13 pm 'just bought' vs 'just has bought' |
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Dear Beeesneees, shouldn't you write: If that was the structure it would be fine. and: It would be correct if that wasn't in the sentence...?
Why did you write: were and weren't? Thanks! |
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Saneta I'm a Communicator ;-)

Joined: 11 Sep 2008 Posts: 1583
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#6 (permalink) Sat Jun 19, 2010 21:14 pm 'just bought' vs 'just has bought' |
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"Were" is the conjunctive form of the verb "be". English has almost lost the conjunctive mood, only "be" still keeps its forms in "I were" and "he were".
It's a conditional tense - If that were the structure (but it isn't); if that weren't in the sentence (but it is).
The majority of native English speakers don't use it and "If that was..." is acceptable in all but the most formal/academic instances, these days. Sorry if I confused you - I grew up using it and do so automatically. _________________ "Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened."
Terry Pratchett |
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Beeesneees Language Coach

Joined: 08 Apr 2010 Posts: 39144 Location: UK, born and bred
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#7 (permalink) Sat Jun 19, 2010 22:43 pm 'just bought' vs 'just has bought' |
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Quote: | "Were" is the conjunctive form of the verb "be". | Oops. I think the word intended was 'subjunctive', not 'conjunctive'.
I also use 'were' in type 2 conditional sentences, even in everyday casual conversation. There are still many people who do, but there are also many people who don't.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ “The average politician goes through a sentence like a man exploring a disused mine shaft -- blind, groping, timorous and in imminent danger of cracking his shins on a subordinate clause or a nasty bit of subjunctive.” ~ Robertson Davies |
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Esl_Expert I'm a Communicator ;-)
Joined: 26 Dec 2008 Posts: 1344 Location: Rhode Island, USA
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#8 (permalink) Sat Jun 19, 2010 23:16 pm 'just bought' vs 'just has bought' |
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Esl_Expert wrote: | Oops. I think the word intended was 'subjunctive', not 'conjunctive'. |
'Oops' most certainly. Another 'malapropism' from Beees. I seem to keep doing that.
Thanks. Not only for pointing it out, but also for doing so in such a friendly manner. :) _________________ "Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened."
Terry Pratchett |
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Beeesneees Language Coach

Joined: 08 Apr 2010 Posts: 39144 Location: UK, born and bred
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My son hit a homerun last night! Wow! Good for him. | In many storybooks, witches cast evil spells onto unsuspecting victims. |