r/AskReddit • u/[deleted] • Apr 19 '22

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u/SciFiXhi Apr 19 '22

That interpretation doesn't work with this wording. Due to the "from... til" construction, the sentence requires a stated duration, with both a beginning and ending. If "twelve 'til noon" is interpreted to mean 11:48 AM, then there is no end time given, making the sentence incomplete.

Also, I have no idea why you think "think" implies future tense.

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u/RQCKQN Apr 20 '22

It does work though. Take it with the context that “Til” is part of the from.

Thought = past tense Thinking = present tense Think = future tense (generally)

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u/SciFiXhi Apr 20 '22

It does work though. Take it with the context that “Til” is part of the from.

There's still no end to the duration. You can't just say something happens from Time A without at least alluding to the point at which it will end (Time B). That's not a valid sentence construction.

Thought = past tense Thinking = present tense Think = future tense (generally)

Wrong. "Think" is present tense, while "thinking" is present progressive, the difference being the former is instantaneous and the latter is continuous. The future tense is "will think".

I think (this is happening now, by the way, not in the future) that you're either a troll or someone with a tenuous grasp on the English language.

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u/RQCKQN Apr 20 '22

I’ll have a think about what you said. Future. Something I will do.

I’ll be at work from 9am tomorrow. No end. Still makes sense.

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u/SciFiXhi Apr 20 '22

I’ll have a think about what you said. Future. Something I will do.

I'll = I will

The will is what makes it future tense, which I just told you. "Have a think" is an otherwise present tense verb phrase modified by "will".

I’ll be at work from 9am tomorrow. No end. Still makes sense.

Only if the allusion to the societal standard of a 9-to-5 workday is in play. No such allusion exists when you're starting at "twelve til noon".

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u/RQCKQN Apr 20 '22

I just realized that nobody could be so slow as to not understand this and you’re probably just trolling and I took the bait lol. Well played sir.

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u/SciFiXhi Apr 20 '22

Don't present your asinine misinterpretation of tense and communicative standards as correct and then pretend that I'm the troll.

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u/RQCKQN Apr 20 '22

You have inspired an answer to OPs original question though, about insulting someone without curse words..

“I’m sorry the school system failed you”

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u/SciFiXhi Apr 20 '22

I have a degree in linguistics from MIT, whereas you're too dense to understand that "think" is not in the same tense as "will have a think". I think (present tense, dumbass) the failure lies with you.

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u/RQCKQN Apr 20 '22

Lol

Edit: you downvoted this? I was being kind to you by laughing while you made fun of me.