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Levis1 Posted 9 years ago
Grammar

Has/had

My friend asking how many kids did my deceased grandfather have. I reply:
"He had/has four sons."
Shouldn't it be past tense because he's dead?

Thanks!
  

Top answer

It should be past tense even if grandfather is still alive. "Have" has different meaning. My grandfather had three sons and two daughters.

— AlpheccaStars

  • It should be past tense even if grandfather is still alive.
  • "Have" has different meaning.
  • My grandfather had three sons and two daughters.
  • I am the oldest son of his youngest daughter.
  • " Obviously, that happened in the past.
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1 Answers
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It should be past tense even if grandfather is still alive.
"Have" has different meaning.
My grandfather had three sons and two daughters. I am the oldest son of his youngest daughter.
"Had" in that context means "gave birth to, father." Obviously, that happened in the past.
My neighbors have a large family. They have six kids. (In this context, it states a familial relationship.
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