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SuperESL Posted 12 years ago
Grammar
seem
Hello,
"These episodes of years past all seem to support the claim that post-war Britain is a land of alienation and small-mindedness."
Should "seem" be in the present tense or past tense? The subject in this case is "episodes of years past," which seems to point to the use of the past tense. But at the same time the implied audience here are the readers in the present: 'these episodes of years past all seem (to us) to support......'
I am always unsure about this one.
Thank you.
"These episodes of years past all seem to support the claim that post-war Britain is a land of alienation and small-mindedness."
Should "seem" be in the present tense or past tense? The subject in this case is "episodes of years past," which seems to point to the use of the past tense. But at the same time the implied audience here are the readers in the present: 'these episodes of years past all seem (to us) to support......'
I am always unsure about this one.
Thank you.
Top answer
The present tense is best if the claim is a present one. The past tense is best if the claim was made in the past.
- The present tense is best if the claim is a present one.
- The past tense is best if the claim was made in the past.
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2 Answers
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The present tense is best if the claim is a present one.
The past tense is best if the claim was made in the past.
The past tense is best if the claim was made in the past.
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The claim is made by the present writer. So I suppose the present tense is to be preferred according to your logic. Thank you.
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