有读者问： 如何解释下面对话中的过去一般时sent？
(1)— How is your mother?
— Thank you. She's pretty well, sir.
— Say we sent our remembrances, will you?
过去一般时可以与将来时态连用表示将来时间。也可以说，这种过去一般时是从属于将来时态的。从现在的角度看，它是表现在时间的，但如从将来时态所表示的将来时间看，它则是表示其过去的。例（1）所用的过去一般时sent即是如此。从现在来看，是表现在；但如从表将来的say来看，sent就表它的过去了。这种情况并不罕见，再如：
(2)After a few years you will realize that his works were sincere and penetrating.
(3)In a hundred years, if you and I are remembered at all, it will be because we knew Charles Strickland.
(4)Upon my return to America next year, many black Americans will ask me many questions about China. I shall gladly tell my brothers and sisters at home of the wonderful hospitality that was extended to me in your country.
