0

Is it correct to use either present tense and present perfect tense after after?

Here's the sentence:

I borrowed his laptop but promised him that I would give it back later after I finish typing my essay.

I'm in a dilemma whether I should use present tense or present perfect. And since the construction is like a report, I mean I reported that I had borrowed his laptop bla bla bla... I also have a thought that I should use past tense.

Could you tell me the appropriate tense I should use? Also I hope you don't mind mentioning other alternatives (tenses that are probable).

Improve this question

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

As a British English speaker, I would say:

I borrowed his laptop but promised him that I would give it back after I had finished typing my essay.

Or, if the situation is still ongoing, you could say

I've borrowed his laptop but promised him that I will give it back after I've finished typing my essay.

Improve this answer
2
  • I (an American English speaker) would be more likely to say "I borrowed...after I finished typing". I wonder if this is a regional variation.
    – stangdon
    Commented Sep 7, 2021 at 11:19
  • @stangdon - Yes - that's why I specified BrE, knowing that Americans often use tenses differently.
    – Kate Bunting
    Commented Sep 7, 2021 at 12:29

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .