Using simple present within the past tense
Hi Everyone,
I'm wondering how to explain the use of the simple present within this short paragraph that is in a past tense:
Harold was an inventor who created an interesting gadget for horse feeding. He sold quite a few while he was alive. The period is 1932, so you weren't born yet.
We can use the simple present to recite a story that was in the past, but I'm wondering specifically how to explain 'the period is 1932'. I'm sure you can say this in the simple present, despite the rest of the information is in the simple past.
Oh yes, I wrote this one. 
Thanks
CC 
Top answer
The voice of the story has changed from a narrative about the past, to information that the speaker is giving to the child. If find the time shift a bit distracting, and prefer the second version below. Father (telling a family story): Uncle Harold was an inventor who created an interesting gadget for horse feeding.
- The voice of the story has changed from a narrative about the past, to information that the speaker is giving to the child.
- If find the time shift a bit distracting, and prefer the second version below.
- Father (telling a family story): Uncle Harold was an inventor who created an interesting gadget for horse feeding.
- He sold quite a few while he was alive.
- 1.
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The voice of the story has changed from a narrative about the past, to information that the speaker is giving to the child. If find the time shift a bit distracting, and prefer the second version below.
Father (telling a family story): Uncle Harold was an inventor who created an interesting gadget for horse feeding. He sold quite a few while he was alive.
1. Fathe
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