suitable tense

Question

In modern times, the world's population (1) ---- (grow) very fast. In 1859 there (2) ---- (be) around a billion people in the world. By 2010 there (3) ---- (be) about 7 billion. By 2050, according to United Nations estimates, there (4) ---- (be) 8.9 billion people.

2. was

3. will be

4. will be

1. has been growing OR has grown (to me)

What is your opinion on 1?

Marius Hancu · Accepted Answer

At the New York Times:
"has grown fast" 7 Results
"has been growing fast" 10 Results I'd take this one, it's more "active"

Clive · Answer

Hi,

I'd say 2. were.

Because the sentences span both the past and the future, I'd also consider 1. is growing.

Best wishes, Clive

Diamondrg · Answer

Hi, Clive. Would you prefer "has been growing" or "is growing"?

Clive · Answer

Hi,

is growing.

Clive

Diamondrg · Answer

Hi,

thank you.

Diamondrg

Teleostomi · Answer

Hi Clive, thank you for always helping us!

It's just that "is growing" is better than "has been growing" there, and the latter is not incorrect, right?

Clive · Answer

Hi,

Yes.

Clive

CalifJim · Answer

"is growing" is better than "has been growing"

Sorry to spoil your party, but this is just a matter of opinion. I think "has been growing" is better, and I would definitely have chosen that. I'm not comfortable with the present tense there with "in modern times", i.e., "during the course of past years extending into the present" and when a date in the 1800's is the very next thing mentioned.

CJ

Doll · Answer

the answer is has been growing because although in perfect tense there is an ongoing action.Look if u look at the dates carefully you will realize that it is in the order of from past to future and in the paragraph it says we will continue to grow.

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