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Hybernate Posted 18 years ago
Grammar
"the book discussed" vs. "the book discusses"
Hi,
I am having trouble differentiating between the following:
a). "the book discussed the importance of democracy in our society“;
b). "the book discusses the importance of democracy in our society“.
Would you use the past tense because the statements in the book were written in the past? Or the present tense because the book is a timeless object and you can refer to the discussions in the book in the present frame of reference.
Many thanks in advance!
hyber
I am having trouble differentiating between the following:
a). "the book discussed the importance of democracy in our society“;
b). "the book discusses the importance of democracy in our society“.
Would you use the past tense because the statements in the book were written in the past? Or the present tense because the book is a timeless object and you can refer to the discussions in the book in the present frame of reference.
Many thanks in advance!
hyber
Top answer
Welcome to the forums, hybernate The tense should in now way depend on the tenses used in the book. 1. "The book disscussed" — here "discussed" is an adjective (not a vern in the past tense), and it means that someone is (or has) discussed this book.
- Welcome to the forums, hybernate The tense should in now way depend on the tenses used in the book.
- 1.
- "The book disscussed" — here "discussed" is an adjective (not a vern in the past tense), and it means that someone is (or has) discussed this book.
- 2.
- "The book discusses" refers to what the book's author is treating upon.
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3 Answers
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Welcome to the forums, hybernate
The tense should in now way depend on the tenses used in the book.
1. "The book disscussed" — here "discussed" is an adjective (not a vern in the past tense), and it means that someone is (or has) discussed this book.
2. "The book discusses" refers to what the book's author is treating upon.
For example, about a book called "Pro
The tense should in now way depend on the tenses used in the book.
1. "The book disscussed" — here "discussed" is an adjective (not a vern in the past tense), and it means that someone is (or has) discussed this book.
2. "The book discusses" refers to what the book's author is treating upon.
For example, about a book called "Pro
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Hi,
You can do it either way. It just depends on the way you are thinking about it.
eg (When I read it in High School) the book discussed . . .
eg (Anyone who reads it will find that) the book discusses . . .
Best wishes, Clive
You can do it either way. It just depends on the way you are thinking about it.
eg (When I read it in High School) the book discussed . . .
eg (Anyone who reads it will find that) the book discusses . . .
Best wishes, Clive
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