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Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Is this sentence past tense or still in the present?

Hi there, I am wondering is this sentence still in past tense or present tense? Are they still in love or not in love no more?

He and Bristol loved each other and wanted to get married.

I read this on msn.com. If they love each other, why are there "ed" on "love" and "want?"

Thanks
  

Top answer

The verbs are in the past tense and the sentence tells us that in the past they loved and wanted marriage. It does not tell us anything about these people now. Compare: On September 4th, 2007, I needed a haircut.

— Mister Micawber

  • The verbs are in the past tense and the sentence tells us that in the past they loved and wanted marriage.
  • It does not tell us anything about these people now.
  • Compare: On September 4th, 2007, I needed a haircut.
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4 Answers
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The verbs are in the past tense and the sentence tells us that in the past they loved and wanted marriage. It does not tell us anything about these people now. Compare:

On September 4th, 2007, I needed a haircut.
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Hi, I did not write the original post but I think putting the word "still" in two places in the sentence puts the sentence in the present-time frame.

He and Bristol still loved each other and still wanted to get married.
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No, it most certainly does not.

He and Bristol still loved each other and still wanted to get married in 1935.
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AnonymousHe and Bristol loved each other and wanted to get married.
Are they still in love or not in love no more?
That depends very much on whether they actually got married or not.
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