English for Today by Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (GAB)
THREE FUNCTIONS OF THE PAST TENSE
1. It talks about a past action: He left this morning.
2. It is used to express politeness: Would you please pass the salt? The use of the present form “will” might suggest command.
3. It is used in formulaic expressions (subjunctives) such as:
It’s time we left. (not, It’s time we go).
If I were you (not, If I was you).
As if he were God (not, As if you are God).
Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (GAB)
Academic Advisor, Distance Learning Centre, University of Ibadan;
&
Doctoral Student of English, University of Ibadan.
