Did vs Do

English grammar questions, answered by Alan

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Caleycj
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Did vs Do

Post by Caleycj »

Hi all - My wife will say thinks like “Did you want me to schedule Christmas photo’s”. Rather than “Do you”. I explained that did was past tense and do is present. She argues that in food service you are asked “did you want to order?” Looking for some guidance to articulate who is correct and why. Please educate me.
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Alan
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Re: Did vs Do

Post by Alan »

'Did you want...?' in this context is little more than a polite alternative to 'Do you...?'.

The latter tends to suggest that the speaker requires the addressee to make an immediate decision, while the former tends to imply that (s)he is simply enquiring about a wish that has already been conceived in the addressee's mind.
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