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Youngbuts Posted 13 years ago
Grammar
the tense of general truths
Hi~
I have got a question about the tense of general truths. Would you take a look at two sentences below?
1. In the 1950s, English teachers (still) believed that a background in Latin is essential for an understanding of English.
2. In the 1950s, English teachers (still) believed that a background in Latin was essential for an understanding of English.
3. Slaveowners widely understood that literacy among oppressed people is a dangerous thing.
4. Slaveowners widely understood that literacy among oppressed people was a dangerous thing.
Are there different meanings and connotations between #1 vs #2 and #3 vs #4?
Thanks!
I have got a question about the tense of general truths. Would you take a look at two sentences below?
1. In the 1950s, English teachers (still) believed that a background in Latin is essential for an understanding of English.
2. In the 1950s, English teachers (still) believed that a background in Latin was essential for an understanding of English.
3. Slaveowners widely understood that literacy among oppressed people is a dangerous thing.
4. Slaveowners widely understood that literacy among oppressed people was a dangerous thing.
Are there different meanings and connotations between #1 vs #2 and #3 vs #4?
Thanks!
Top answer
There is no difference in connotation or meaning. If the time frame has passed for the "general truth", it is best to use the past tense. 2.
- There is no difference in connotation or meaning.
- If the time frame has passed for the "general truth", it is best to use the past tense.
- 2.
- In the 1950s, English teachers (still) believed that a background in Latin was essential for an understanding of English.
- It's not the 1950s any more.
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1 Answers
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There is no difference in connotation or meaning.
If the time frame has passed for the "general truth", it is best to use the past tense.
2. In the 1950s, English teachers (still) believed that a background in Latin was essential for an understanding of English.
It's not the 1950s any more. Times have changed. Latin is not now regularly taught in high schools.
If the time frame has passed for the "general truth", it is best to use the past tense.
2. In the 1950s, English teachers (still) believed that a background in Latin was essential for an understanding of English.
It's not the 1950s any more. Times have changed. Latin is not now regularly taught in high schools.
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