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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar
Is vs. was
A. Charles Dickens is the author of that book.
B. Charles Dickens was the author of that book.
1. Does A suggest it is timeless?
2. Does B suggest the author is dead?
3. If my interpretations are incorrect, please explain the difference.
4. Which of the above is more appropriate in describing Charles Dickens?
C. I am the developer of my previous employer's existing accounting software.
D. I was the developer of my previous employer's existing accounting software.
4. Does C suggest it is timeless and emphasize the fact that I am the software's developer?
5. Does D emphasize that my developing of the software took place when I was part of the company, although the software is still in use?
6. If my interpretations are correct, please explain the difference.
7. Which is much better between C and D?
B. Charles Dickens was the author of that book.
1. Does A suggest it is timeless?
2. Does B suggest the author is dead?
3. If my interpretations are incorrect, please explain the difference.
4. Which of the above is more appropriate in describing Charles Dickens?
C. I am the developer of my previous employer's existing accounting software.
D. I was the developer of my previous employer's existing accounting software.
4. Does C suggest it is timeless and emphasize the fact that I am the software's developer?
5. Does D emphasize that my developing of the software took place when I was part of the company, although the software is still in use?
6. If my interpretations are correct, please explain the difference.
7. Which is much better between C and D?
Top answer
Anonymous A. Charles Dickens is the author of that book. I believe this one is correct.
- Anonymous A.
- Charles Dickens is the author of that book.
- I believe this one is correct.
- It is "timeless" as you say.
- An action like writing a book and being its author cannot be undone and therefore present tense is correct.
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6 Answers
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AnonymousA. Charles Dickens is the author of that book.I believe this one is correct. It is "timeless" as you say. An action like writing a book and being its author cannot be undone and therefore present tense is correct. It doesn't matter if the author is alive or dead, he is associated with that book, so he is the author.
He was
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Thank you, CristianC, that was really helpful.
I was also wondering if a native speaker would agree with what has been explained or perhaps share his/her thoughts on my questions. Thanks so much.
I was also wondering if a native speaker would agree with what has been explained or perhaps share his/her thoughts on my questions. Thanks so much.
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A. Charles Dickens is the author of that book.
B. Charles Dickens was the author of that book.
1. Does A suggest it is timeless? -- Yes
2. Does B suggest the author is dead? -- Yes
4. Which of the above is more appropriate in describing Charles Dickens?-- Both are common.
C. I am the developer of my previous employer's existing account
B. Charles Dickens was the author of that book.
1. Does A suggest it is timeless? -- Yes
2. Does B suggest the author is dead? -- Yes
4. Which of the above is more appropriate in describing Charles Dickens?-- Both are common.
C. I am the developer of my previous employer's existing account
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Thank you for helping me with my questions. I now understand.
Mister MicawberA. Charles Dickens is the author of that book.
B. Charles Dickens was the author of that book.
1. Does A suggest it is timeless? -- Yes
2. Does B suggest the author is dead? -- Yes
4. Which of the above is more appropriate in describing Charles Dickens?-- Bot
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Just a follow-up question, considering that Charles Dickens, in fact, passed away, can I still use A?-- Sure.
If you were to write this sentence, which would you choose personally, is or was?-- I'm likely to use either, depending on the greater context.
If you were to write this sentence, which would you choose personally, is or was?-- I'm likely to use either, depending on the greater context.
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Thank you very much. I see the choice of tense really depends on greater context.
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