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Someone sent M a package. So, M didn't receive the package.

When I asked M, "Have you received the package?" What should her reply be?

"I don't receive the package", or "I didn't receive the package"?

Please explain why.

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2 Answers

up vote 8 down vote accepted

She should say "I haven't received the package". This implies that there is still a possibility that the package will arrive later; unlike "didn't", which implies that the opportunity to receive the package has passed.

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+1 this is the correct answer – darryn.ten Jun 19 '12 at 9:33
It wouldn't matter much to me, since we don't have context. It's possibly compounded by the fact that I never have any idea when to expect packages around here. – shinyspoongod Jun 19 '12 at 16:40
Splitting hairs. The question "Have you received the package?" itself is the moment in time which "has passed" – horatio Jun 19 '12 at 21:35
The opportunity to have received the package has passed. – David Schwartz Jun 20 '12 at 5:23
up vote 2 down vote

"I don't receive the package", or "I didn't receive the package"?

//Warning: not a native speaker

"I haven't received the package."

Please explain why.

Generally answer uses the same verb form as the question. At least textbooks teach English this way.

Q: Did you receive the package?
A: Yes, I did.

Q: Do you accept the package?
A: Yes, I do.

Q: Are you waiting for the package?
A: Yes, I am/yes, we are.

Q: Have you received the package?
A: No, I haven't.

It makes sense to follow this formula, unless want to abruptly change the topic of conversation or something like that.

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"not a native speaker." If you are saying that "I didn't [...]" implies that the respondent is not a native speaker, then this assertion is wrong and unsupportable. – horatio Jun 19 '12 at 21:41
Instead of giving examples, consider providing grammar rules. – chuacw Jun 20 '12 at 3:48
nice explanation. – Umesh Jun 20 '12 at 5:42

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