Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[maako]

Hi,teacher!

When I read books or watch TV, I sometimes see someone saying,
"I win!" after he or she has played games and won.

Why do they say," I win" not "I won"?
The game was over, so the fact he or she won the game is the past event.

In that case, if I say "I won!" is it wrong?
Or just "I won" is OK, but "I win" is more common???

Please answer!
Thank you
_________________
maako

[Philo Kevetch]

Hello Maako -

This sounds a little like one of those "fine line" situations (see "fine line" by Tisogai below in this forum).

At the moment the game ends, you can say "I win".
(the two things are happening at the same time).

Or...you can say "I won".
(less immediate and your moment of glory has elapsed)

You can even jump up and down repeating "I win. I win. I win.....!!" for a while.
(like magic.....the moment of "winning" is suspended in time)

But, once you stop and that moment has passed.....if you tell someone later (even a few seconds), you should say "I won".

Philo