past and present

Question

In writing can you start the first paragraph in present tense to tell your facts then switch to past tense in the body to tell your story?

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

I wouldn't say that it is impossible, but I would caution that it is generally unwise. Would you like to post the particular paragraph so that we can have a look at it?

Courtkanee · Answer

This is the beginning of my narrative essay. I go from present to past and the rest remains in the past. Is this okay to do

Childbirth is the most astonishing experience women can endure, and many feel lucky to have survived. Along with any pregnancy comes fear. Whether it is pain issues or problems that could develop, the fear is there and it is real.

On the night of October 28, 2003, I laid in bed wondering if I was going to make it through the next twenty-four hours. Inducing labor was a scary thing for me. What kind of pain would I go through? What problems will arise? I had so many questions. I turned on a small fan, hoping the sound would calm me so I could sleep, but it did not work. I laid there in the dark for hours tossing and turning. When the alarm clock rang, I crawled out of bed, turned off my fan and waddled into the bathroom. As I showered, my mind raced with the same questions as the night before. I finished up in the bathroom, my husband loaded the car and off we went to the hospital.

Mister Micawber · Answer

Yes, that will work very nicely, Court.

Lie-lay-lain
What problems would arise?
the small fan (the makes the scene more distinct)
lie-lay-lain

Courtkanee · Answer

I don't like the word laid...but i'm not sure which one fits the best.  I looked them up and still can't decide on what to use.  They just don't sound right.

Mister Micawber · Answer

Lay-laid-laid is simply wrong vocabulary. It is a transitive verb. The intransitive verb Lie-lay-lain is correct and appropriate here.

past and present

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