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Is it grammatically incorrect to use "Did you want ----" when the other end had already expressed an order/need for something? I have been told to use "Do you want to" instead since it is in the present tense.

Please clarify something that has confused me recently. Is it grammatically incorrect to use "Did you want ----" when the other end had already expressed an order/need for something? I have been told to use "Do you want ----" instead since it is supposed to be in the present tense. My understanding is you would use "Do you want---" when you are offering something to the other end. ergo.. no order/want had been expressed yet. My supervisor is criticizing me for my soft English skills. I would be much oblidged to get clarification.

Written by Pinky Tam 11 years ago

want

Asked 11 years ago

Pinky Tam

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Remember that "Did" is used to express the action completed in the past. "Do" expresses an action that is true or a habit ... in the present (has not finished yet). When someone order "I'd like a cup of coffee". You should ask " Would you like sugar?" instead of "Do you want sugar?". At the time you ask the person, the action "like, want" has not completed therefore you must use "Do you want sugar?" instead of "Did you want sugar?". However, I recommend you use "Would you like sugar?" to be more polite.

Answered 11 years ago

Lion

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Is it grammatically incorrect to use "Did you want ----" when the other end had already expressed an order/need for something? I have been told to use "Do you want to" instead since it is in the present tense.

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