Present/past

Question

I just broke up with my girlfriend. She was/in good in bed.Your post has/had nothing to do with my questions.How do I decide between present and past in such cases?

AlpheccaStars · Accepted Answer

I just broke up with my girlfriend. She was good in bed.
You are bragging about your male prowess in having the ability to attract such a girlfriend, and (depending on the tone of voice) a bit remorseful over having lost her.

I just broke up with my girlfriend. She is good in bed.
You are recommending her to your love-starved friend.

whatchadoinYour post has/had nothing to do with my questions.

There is not much difference. I might use "has" if the post is very recent, and "had" if the post was some time ago in the past.

Grammarfreak · Answer

Hi,

whatchadoinI just broke up with my girlfriend.

The break up is the reality. Your relationship with her is over which leads to a lonely bed from that point forward. It is a conceptional past / present transition, thus " just broke up.." is immediate past.

whatchadoinShe was/in good in bed.

If you are reminiscing the good times you had spent with her, "was" would refer to the sentimental past. If you are casually chatting with your friend about her sexuality in general. " She is good ....!" offers a general impression that she naturally enjoys *** regardless of time, who and when.

whatchadoinHow do I decide between present and past in such cases?

I think it is a conceptual issue. The tense you used dictates the meaning. If I said " I had dinner last night at that bistro on 5th Ave and Pine. The food, service and atmosphere were great. "Were" is the cue that refers to the things happened during the course of dinner, meaning "the past".

Whatchadoin · Answer

-(Let's say someone just said something)
- That sounded so weird! or That sounds so weird!

I see no difference between these.

What do you think?

Grammarfreak · Answer

whatchadoin,

whatchadoin(Let's say someone just said something) That sounded so weird! or That sounds so weird!

Whether you choose past or present context, much of it depends on the context. But you need to establish your own perspective before you making a statement. For instance: If someone is no long living, you must used past tense.
Mark: John loved bowling and hanging out with his buddies enjoying a few beers. He was the coolest guy I had ever met.

Present/past

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