Help!

English grammar and usage issues

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Lizzie227
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Joined: 05 Dec 2015, 21:21
Status: New Teacher

Help!

Unread post by Lizzie227 »

Please can somebody explain to me why the following sentence is in the past tense when it's talking about the present/future?

"Now you're 30, it's time you grew up and got a good, steady job."

Thank you!
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Lucy
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Joined: 13 Jan 2004, 15:09
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Re: Help!

Unread post by Lucy »

In this example, the past tense form is often considered to be the English subjunctive. It's not past tense in meaning.

Lucy
Lola212
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Joined: 06 Apr 2016, 15:54
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Re: Help!

Unread post by Lola212 »

Thanks, Lucy. That is a great way to answer Lizzie's question.
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