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Is it correct to say "I shouldn’t have had a daughter like you." in the present. A father is angry and is talking to his daughter. "I shouldn’t have had a daughter like you." or "I shouldn't have a daughter like you" Thanks.
Nov 19, 2018 9:56 AM
Answers · 2
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"I shouldn’t have had a daughter like you." or "I shouldn't have a daughter like you." Hi Tiger, It is possible for you to use the present perfect (i.e. have had) as you speak. In this case, you are expressing regret at something that started in the past and is still taking effect at the present (you should have started regretting having a daughter in the past). On the other hand, if you are expressing your regret at a present situation, the present simple tense (i.e. have) does the job. So yes, the present perfect tense can be used to express a current situation which is linked to a past origin. It really depends on the time frame you wish to specify. I hope this helps.
November 19, 2018
'I shouldn't have had a daugher like you' doesn't make sense if he's angry.. (because of the meaning of 'should') but it makes sense if he thinks God made a mistake; eg: 'your ideas and dreams are very difficult for me.. I'm a simple man, I don't know how to help with these things' :)
November 19, 2018
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