what tenses to use?

Question

HiCould correct the tenses?1 I was happy he gave [was giving] me a job that's why I didn't negotiate a salary increase.2 I didn't [see/wasn't looking] where I was going.3 I cook as well as you [do]4 Do you know that you are automatically divorced if you're husband [passes/were to pass]?5 Since I started working, my wife has alway been home when I [get/got] back from work all but 3 times.6 Today is the only day you [can/will be able to] do that.7 It's too hot to [wear/be wearing] that.8 Looking at you, you [think/would think] you're American.good day to you

Terryxpress · Accepted Answer

I like to know whom I'm talking to, rather than 'anonymous'.

When you have a name, I'd love to discuss your questions with you.

Lola84 · Answer

hello terry

Terryxpress · Answer

Hi Lola.

Let's look at your first sentence:
I was happy he gave [was giving] me a job that's why I didn't negotiate a salary increase.

The usual order of events is either:
(a) he gave you a job. You work there for 6 months+, then maybe negotiate a salary increase
or
(b) during the 'giving/offering you a job' period is when you might negotiate a higher starting salary - if you are in the process of getting the job, you haven't been paid any salary yet, so you can't ask for a salary increase.

So - you have two choices:

I was just happy he was giving me a job - that's why I didn't negotiate a higher salary.
and
I was just happy he gave me a job. That's why I haven't negotiated a salary increase.

(I haven't included any icons in the body of the text. The word processor is editorialising! )

Terryxpress · Answer

For sentence (2), you post what tense you think it should be, and why. <img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' alt='Emotion: smile'/>

Lola84 · Answer

hi,

2 I didn't see where I was going. [because action not long]

Dimsumexpress · Answer

TerryxpressI like to know whom I'm talking to, rather than 'anonymous'.

Terry,
The tone, patterns and constructions of the sentences, no matter how deliberately disguised, still reveal the true identity of the Anonymous. I think I have a pretty good idea on this one.

Clive · Answer

Me too!

Clive

what tenses to use?

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