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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?!?!
  

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

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