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Hi teachers,'The police always have a “friend” in every village,’ Alex said sadly. ‘Marta, I’m going now. At once. The police are going to be here soon, and…’‘Huh!’ Marta said angrily. ‘I’m not afraid of the police or their questions. Alex Dinon? Who’s he? Is he somebody on television?’Alex smiled. ‘You’re a wonderful woman, Marta,’ he said. ‘Goodbye and thank you.’Marta looked at Alex and her old face was suddenly unhappy. ‘Good luck, boy,’ she said.1. Where did Alex say the police could always find a "friend"? In every village.2. Why did Alex want to leave Marta's house immediately'? Because the police were going to be there soon.3. Why wasn't Marta worried about the arrival of the police? Because she was not afraid of them or their questions.4. What kind of woman did Alex say Marta was? A wonderful one.5. What did Marta wish Alex? Good luck.Thanks in advance.

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

You are putting in too many words. A native speaker relies more on the listener's ability to understand.

1. What can the police always find in the villages? A friend.
2. Why did Alex want to leave Marta's house? Because the police were going to be there soon.
3. Why wasn't Marta worried about the police? Because she was not afraid of them or their questions.
4. What did Alex think of Marta? She was a wonderful woman.
5. How did Marta feel as Alex was leaving? Unhappy.

Surfer · Answer

Mister MicawberYou are putting in too many words. A native speaker relies more on the listener's ability to understand.

To me, that is some really insightful and informative statement. Thank you Mister Micawber.

Tenacious Learner · Answer

Mister MicawberA native speaker relies more on the listener's ability to understand.

Hi Mister Micawber,
Thank you very much. Let that be a lesson to me!

Mister Micawber1. What can the police always find in the villages? A friend.

Thank you for your corrections and help.
All the questions are always in the Simple Past, Is this question in the Simple Present just because it expresses the idea that the action is a usual one, no matter where?

TS

Surfer · Answer

Thinking SpainAll the questions are always in the Simple Past, Is this question in the Simple Present just because it expresses the idea that the action is a usual one, no matter where?

Hello TS.

I think that is to address the ongoing reality: That was, is, and probably will be, the case with the police.

Mister Micawber · Answer

Thinking SpainAll the questions are always in the Simple Past,

I hadn't noticed that, but I think we discussed the topic before. What I probably suggested then that the only important thing was that they be consistent. Since I have seen your questions only intermittently, I was not trying to be consistent with either tense; I was not making a conscious decision either way. I do think that present would overall be a better general choice, but you can change this one to past if you like

Tenacious Learner · Answer

Hi Surfer,

Thank you for your words. I quite agree with you. But as Mister Micawber said we have to be consistent with the tenses.
Though in this case, at least to me, both tenses work because of your reasons and Mister Micawber's ones.

TS

Tenacious Learner · Answer

Mister MicawberI hadn't noticed that, but I think we discussed the topic before.

Hi Mister Micawber,
Yes, we have. Even though you've told me that you pickle a few thousand of your neurons every day, you have an excellent memory.

Mister MicawberI do think that present would overall be a better general choice, but you can change this one to past if you like

Thanks! I will, just to be consistent.

TS

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