0
MustAsk Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

Are/were not born yet

Hi

All the bright people [are/were] not born yet.

I'm inclined towards 'are', but is there a difference in meaning if one were to use 'were' instead?

Thanks!
  

Top answer

Time reference is the important factor. If you are talking about a present situation, use 'have not been born yet". If talking about a past situation, use "had not been born yet".

— Philip

  • Time reference is the important factor.
  • If you are talking about a present situation, use 'have not been born yet".
  • If talking about a past situation, use "had not been born yet".
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

3 Answers
0
Time reference is the important factor. If you are talking about a present situation, use 'have not been born yet". If talking about a past situation, use "had not been born yet".
0
0
Thanks!

I guess I'm referring to the present with the future in mind?

All the bright minds [hadn't been born / haven't been born / aren't born / weren't born] yet, but they will be in the future.
0
0
haven't been born The 'yet' indicates the possible continuation of what started, through the present, and into the future.
0

Related Questions