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Kit Posted 21 years ago
Grammar
Present/Past tense
Hi all,
Let's say I just bought a computer and I'm now talking to a friend.
Which is one correct and why?
1. The reason why I bought a computer was ...
2. The reason why I bought a computer is ...
Many thanks.
Kit
Let's say I just bought a computer and I'm now talking to a friend.
Which is one correct and why?
1. The reason why I bought a computer was ...
2. The reason why I bought a computer is ...
Many thanks.
Kit
Top answer
First of all, I'd leave out the "why". As for your question, both are correct. The reason I bought a computer is to do my taxes.
- First of all, I'd leave out the "why".
- As for your question, both are correct.
- The reason I bought a computer is to do my taxes.
- (every year from now on, perhaps) The reason I bought a computer was to do my taxes.
- (on that occasion OR every year from now on, perhaps) CJ
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4 Answers
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First of all, I'd leave out the "why".
As for your question, both are correct.
The reason I bought a computer is to do my taxes. (every year from now on, perhaps)
The reason I bought a computer was to do my taxes. (on that occasion OR every year from now on, perhaps)
CJ
As for your question, both are correct.
The reason I bought a computer is to do my taxes. (every year from now on, perhaps)
The reason I bought a computer was to do my taxes. (on that occasion OR every year from now on, perhaps)
CJ
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Thanks, CJ.
So in this case, the tense depends on whether the reason still stands at the moment of speaking.
For example, I bought a computer two weeks ago for my project. The project has been completed and now I'm conversing with my friend.
The reason I bought a computer was to do my project.
However, if the project is still ongoing, I'd have to use "is
So in this case, the tense depends on whether the reason still stands at the moment of speaking.
For example, I bought a computer two weeks ago for my project. The project has been completed and now I'm conversing with my friend.
The reason I bought a computer was to do my project.
However, if the project is still ongoing, I'd have to use "is
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Kit,
No, you would not have to use "is" in that case.
1. If you are still doing the project or if you still intend to do the project, you can use "is" or "was", and they both mean nearly the same thing.
2. If you have finished the project or if you no longer intend to do the project, use "was".
In the first case, you have the choice of matching tenses "bought"
No, you would not have to use "is" in that case.
1. If you are still doing the project or if you still intend to do the project, you can use "is" or "was", and they both mean nearly the same thing.
2. If you have finished the project or if you no longer intend to do the project, use "was".
In the first case, you have the choice of matching tenses "bought"
00
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