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IanKCH Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
Use of present tense in speech
Hi,
I saw the below statement in an excerpt, and wondered if it is grammatically sound.
"We all have seen brainless drivers who are busy in conversation and not giving full attention to their driving," she said.
Since the statement is referring to an event in the past (have seen brainless drivers), shouldn't "were" be used instead of "are"?
I would instead write, "We all have seen brainless drivers who were busy in conversation and not giving full attention to their driving."
I have a hunch that both statements are fine, but I am not too sure about the difference between the two. Can someone please explain the difference?
I saw the below statement in an excerpt, and wondered if it is grammatically sound.
"We all have seen brainless drivers who are busy in conversation and not giving full attention to their driving," she said.
Since the statement is referring to an event in the past (have seen brainless drivers), shouldn't "were" be used instead of "are"?
I would instead write, "We all have seen brainless drivers who were busy in conversation and not giving full attention to their driving."
I have a hunch that both statements are fine, but I am not too sure about the difference between the two. Can someone please explain the difference?
Top answer
Yes, both are OK. We have seen them and will see them again. 'Were' refers to past instances; 'are' refers to timeless present instances.
- Yes, both are OK.
- We have seen them and will see them again.
- 'Were' refers to past instances; 'are' refers to timeless present instances.
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2 Answers
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Yes, both are OK. We have seen them and will see them again. 'Were' refers to past instances; 'are' refers to timeless present instances.
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When a speaker utters, he has a perspective on the situation to which he is referring. 'brainless drivers' have existed since mass production of model T's, exist now, and probably always will. Hence, with this outlook, we use the Present Tense.
"We have all seen brainless drivers who are busy in conversation and not giving full attention to their driving."
Present
"We have all seen brainless drivers who are busy in conversation and not giving full attention to their driving."
Present
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