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Yukineko
Joined: 08 Nov 2005 Posts: 64
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Posted: Fri Apr 14, 2017 3:22 am Post subject: Which meaning is this? |
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Hello teachers. Could you help me with the following question?
He admitted not doing his best.
Which meaning is this #1 or #2?
#1 He admitted that he didn't do his best.
#2 He admitted that he hadn't done his best.
Also, is it possible to say, "He admitted not having done his best"?
I am a little confused....
Thanks in advance.
Yukineko |
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Oll Korrect
Joined: 05 Aug 2015 Posts: 9 Location: Poland
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Posted: Thu May 11, 2017 12:12 pm Post subject: |
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I would say either could be correct. Does the context provide clues?
If the action he was admitting to happened before he admitted, then past perfect. If the action happened at the same time that he admitted, then past simple.
Your version is about the same as past perfect. I think it would probably look a little bit more complicated, but it's an excellent tense.
Btw, I would say "admitted to," but that might just the the American in me talking-- see if other people disagree. |
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Yukineko
Joined: 08 Nov 2005 Posts: 64
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Posted: Mon May 15, 2017 11:11 pm Post subject: Thank you !! |
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Dear Oll Korrect
Thank you for answering my question.
Now I understand it depends on the situation.
Thank you very much!
Yukineko. |
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