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Twistedthistle Posted 12 years ago
Grammar
Was an example/ is an example (for deceased individul)
Hi everyone,
In the following sentence: Nelson Mandela was an example that all politicians should follow. is the verb "was" correct? Since Mr. Mandela is deceased, it seems fitting that we use the past tense. However, the sense that we want it that even though he's dead, he's STILL an example that should be followed. BUT, "Nelson Mandela is an example that all politicians should follow." just doesn't look right, does it?
I know we can easily skirt around this issue by using "set an example" instead of "is/was an example", but out of interest, which tense would you prefer? Past or present?
Thanks!
TT
In the following sentence: Nelson Mandela was an example that all politicians should follow. is the verb "was" correct? Since Mr. Mandela is deceased, it seems fitting that we use the past tense. However, the sense that we want it that even though he's dead, he's STILL an example that should be followed. BUT, "Nelson Mandela is an example that all politicians should follow." just doesn't look right, does it?
I know we can easily skirt around this issue by using "set an example" instead of "is/was an example", but out of interest, which tense would you prefer? Past or present?
Thanks!
TT
Top answer
" just doesn't look right, does it? Both look fine, and for the reasons that you have given: he is dead, but his life is still a fine example. I would choose depending on the immediacy engendered by the context.
- " just doesn't look right, does it?
- Both look fine, and for the reasons that you have given: he is dead, but his life is still a fine example.
- I would choose depending on the immediacy engendered by the context.
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1 Answers
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twistedthistle "Nelson Mandela is an example that all politicians should follow." just doesn't look right, does it?Both look fine, and for the reasons that you have given: he is dead, but his life is still a fine example. I would choose depending on the immediacy engendered by the context.
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