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Anonymous Posted 13 years ago
Grammar
past vs present perfect
I have been trying to rephrase this sentence into many examples of the same question and still cannot seem to figure out which usage is appropriate:
"This work ensures that when an individual is convicted that they were afforded every opportunity to present a fair and accurate defense."
as opposed to "that they HAVE BEEN afforded" or "when an individual HAS BEEN convicted that they WERE afforded"
I tried to contextualize it in the sentence below as it employs the same object/subject circumstances (I think):
"This kennel ensures that when a dog is fed that dog was given excellent chow."
as opposed to "when a dog is fed that dog has been given"
Maybe I am wrong in thinking that example is comparable? It seems obvious in one case and not in the other. Thoughts?!?!
"This work ensures that when an individual is convicted that they were afforded every opportunity to present a fair and accurate defense."
as opposed to "that they HAVE BEEN afforded" or "when an individual HAS BEEN convicted that they WERE afforded"
I tried to contextualize it in the sentence below as it employs the same object/subject circumstances (I think):
"This kennel ensures that when a dog is fed that dog was given excellent chow."
as opposed to "when a dog is fed that dog has been given"
Maybe I am wrong in thinking that example is comparable? It seems obvious in one case and not in the other. Thoughts?!?!
Top answer
You examples do not work with the past tense. "
- You examples do not work with the past tense.
- "
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1 Answers
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You examples do not work with the past tense. If we are talking about a present/general-time activity, we need a present tense, simple or perfect:
"This work ensures that when an individual is convicted that they are/have been afforded every opportunity to present a fair and accurate defense.""This kennel ensures that when a dog is fed that dog is/has been given excellent cho
"This work ensures that when an individual is convicted that they are/have been afforded every opportunity to present a fair and accurate defense.""This kennel ensures that when a dog is fed that dog is/has been given excellent cho
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