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New2grammar Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

lying

Mom: You ex-gf called an hour ago. She told me you got her pregnant.

Son: She's lying! (Why is the present tense correct? She called an hour ago)

Thanks.
  

Top answer

I'm not sure I can explain it. This is almost a fixed phrase: she's lying [she lied before, and she'll continue to lie].

— Philip

  • I'm not sure I can explain it.
  • This is almost a fixed phrase: she's lying [she lied before, and she'll continue to lie].
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3 Answers
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I'm not sure I can explain it. This is almost a fixed phrase: she's lying [she lied before, and she'll continue to lie].
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New2grammarMom: You ex-gf called an hour ago. She told me you got her pregnant.

Son: She's lying! (Why is the present tense correct? She called an hour ago)

Thanks.

Even though she said the words in the past she still stands by her claim. So, in a sense, the lie is continuing right up to the present and into the future (until the iss
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Thanks, Philip and RayH.
RayHthe lie is continuing right up to the present and into the future (until the issue is resolved).
Good point!
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