"He asked me what time the bus would have arrived." vs "He asked me what time the bus would arrive."

Question

"He asked me what time the bus would have arrived." vs "He asked me what time the bus would arrive."

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. The first phrase 'he asked me what time the bus would have arrived' is used when referring to a past event, while the second phrase 'he asked me what time the bus would arrive' is used when referring to a future event.

Last Updated: March 27, 2024

This phrase is used to talk about a past event. It indicates that the bus was expected to arrive at a specific time in the past.

Examples:

He asked me what time the bus would have arrived if it hadn't been delayed.
She wondered what time the train would have arrived if she had taken the earlier one.

Alternatives:

he asked me what time the bus had arrived.
he asked me what time the bus was supposed to arrive.
he asked me what time the bus was expected to arrive.
he asked me what time the bus was scheduled to arrive.
he asked me what time the bus was due to arrive.

This phrase is used to talk about a future event. It indicates that the bus is expected to arrive at a specific time in the future.

Examples:

He asked me what time the bus would arrive tomorrow.
She wondered what time the train would arrive at the station.

Alternatives:

he asked me what time the bus will arrive.
he asked me what time the bus is expected to arrive.
he asked me what time the bus is scheduled to arrive.
he asked me what time the bus is due to arrive.
he asked me what time the bus is supposed to arrive.

Answer 1

He asked me what time the bus would have arrived.

This phrase is correct when referring to a past event.

Answer 2

He asked me what time the bus would arrive.

This phrase is correct when referring to a future event.

"He asked me what time the bus would have arrived." vs "He asked me what time the bus would arrive."

He asked me what time the bus would have arrived.

He asked me what time the bus would arrive.

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