Best tense to use

Question

HiI have to compare  the quality of English in 2 of my essays.  What is the best tense to use. I wrote one last sesmester and 1 wrote one last week.  Do I use the present  and present perfect or past tense. For exampleMy second essay is much better than my first oneorMy second essay was much better than my first one.My spelling is much better in my first essayorMy spelling was much better in my first essayMy second essay shows that my work is getting betterMy second essay shows that my work has got betterAppreciate any adviceLee

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

Hello, Lee. Both essays reside firmly in the past, but you can view them as finished (in the past) or as still existing (now). These are all OK:

My second essay is much better than my first one.

My second essay was much better than my first one.

My spelling is much better in my first essay.

My spelling was much better in my first essay.

My second essay shows that my work is improving.

My second essay shows that my work has been improving. (Present perfect is OK here, because past 'improvement' also relates to present ability.)

When you have chosen, just be sure that you are consistent with your tenses .

Anonymous · Answer

Thanks very much for your reply. I'm very grateful

Can you help me with one more question. Which of the following has better consistency?

My second essay is much better than my first one. Therefore my work is improving

My second essay is much better than my first one. Therefore my work has improved

My second essay was much better than my first one. Therefore my work has improved

My second essay was much better than my first one. Therefore my work improved

Thanks again

Lee

Mister Micawber · Answer

They are all consistent.  The last one is less enthusiastic.

Regards · Answer

Hi,

A comma after therefore is necessary in your sentences.

Regards

Best tense to use

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