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Natalli. Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

An urgent question

Hallo dear teachers,

Please, tell me which option is correct.

Shakespeare has written Romeo and Juliet.

Or

Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet.

As for me the first option is correct (am I right)?

Regards

Nata...
  

Top answer

NO. The second option is correct since Shakespeare lived centuries ago. " would indicate he finished recently and the fact of his writing has a direct influence on the situation now, but no one is ever very likely to say this.

— Noctivagus

  • NO.
  • The second option is correct since Shakespeare lived centuries ago.
  • " would indicate he finished recently and the fact of his writing has a direct influence on the situation now, but no one is ever very likely to say this.
  • Simple Past must be used for actions completed in the past.
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4 Answers
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NO. The second option is correct since Shakespeare lived centuries ago. "Shakespeare has written..." would indicate he finished recently and the fact of his writing has a direct influence on the situation now, but no one is ever very likely to say this. Simple Past must be used for actions completed in the past.
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Natalli.As for me the first option is correct (am I right)?
You're wrong. Shakespeare is dead and cannot write another play. That's why the past tense (wrote) must be used in English.

CB
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Hi Natalli,

Both are correct, but as Noctivagus has mentioned the second one is better 'cause Shakespeare is dead.

Regards,

Iman
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Hi

Thanks for your comments!

The reason why I said the first option is correct is that we still read his writings.

But, now I see sense. Of course, he is dead now, and therefore his actions are in the past.

Regards

Nata...
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