2006-09-10 09:22:29 · 4 answers · asked by Jacky T 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
How long ago you consider 1996 to be, or how much has changed since then.
And "back in 1996" makes you sound very very young!
2006-09-10 09:27:35 · answer #1 · answered by Goddess of Grammar 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In 1996 could refer either to the future, e.g., it will happen in 1996, or the past, e.g., it happened in 1996. Back in 1996 only refers to the past.
2006-09-10 16:27:07 · answer #2 · answered by williegod 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most Americans don't know how to conjugate verbs, so they have to do everything in the present, subjunctive tense.
If you said, "back in 1996" then everything after that would have to be said in the past tense. (back in 1996 I went to such and such a place and I had this and so) BUT... since Americans can't USE past tense, they would say "In 1996" I am going to such and such a place and I have this and so... It's so they can put it in the present tense.
2006-09-10 16:28:33 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing, really, "back" is basically redundant.
2006-09-10 23:40:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋