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Cogar Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

Present tense in past context?

Hi,

I went to Paris last month and saw the Effiel Tower. It was / is 400 metres high.

Should we use WAS or IS. The reason for using "is" is that Effiel Tower is still 400 metres high now.

Thanks.
  

Top answer

Either one would be fine.

— BarbaraPA

  • Either one would be fine.
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6 Answers
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Either one would be fine.
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If you are describing an object in the past that is unlikely to have changed then the present tense is often better (not a rule). If, on the other hand, it were a person or a sunset, etc. then use the past tense.
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BokehIf you are describing an object in the past that is unlikely to have changed then the present tense is often better (not a rule). If, on the other hand, it were a person or a sunset, etc. then use the past tense.
Good diferentiation.
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Can I write :

in 1978 the president decides to promote this new development.

or must I write :

in 1978 the president decided...

many thanks

Nadia
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Hi Nadia,

In 1978, the president decided...

The decision took place in the past.
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AnonymousIn 1978 the president decides to promote this new development.
Yes you can say this. It would be at home in a timeline.
Check out this timeline from http://terminator.wikia.com/wiki/Terminator2:_Judgment_Day_%28timeline%29.
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