We

Question

Talking about a past event that happened in a long time ago.

Our teacher asked us to create something for class. Our idea was to make a slingshot. Something that could launch anything easily a hundred yards. But we decided that slingshots are/were boring. We still needed to figure out what we were going to shoot.

What's the difference between using are and were here?

Thanks!

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

PreciousJonesWhat's the difference between using are and were here?

There is none; take your pick.

PreciousJones · Answer

Mister Micawber PreciousJonesWhat's the difference between using are and were here?There is none; take your pick.

I would use the past tense, but sling shots are still boring to me, so maybe are is okay too.

Anonymous · Answer

I have some work to do this week.Can we make it next week?

Mister Micawber · Answer

AnonymousI have some work to do this week.Can we make it next week?

OK.

Anonymous · Answer

Can u help me in writing it in a polite way ?

Mister Micawber · Answer

Start by writing as if you were speaking to the other party. Post your letter here and we'll check it for you.

Anonymous · Answer

PreciousJonesTalking about a past event that happened in a long time ago.

In does not sound natural to me.

PreciousJonesOur teacher asked us to create something for class. Our idea was to make a slingshot. Something that could launch anything easily a hundred yards. But we decided that slingshots are/were boring. We still needed to figure out what we were going to shoot.

Mister Micawber:There is none; take your pick.

You are probably right, but I don't agree with that. The main tense in the sentence is past tense, and it would be best if we pick a tense and stick with it. The problem I see with using are is that it shifts the tense in the middle of the sentence and paragraph.

You can argue that the phrase that slingshots are boring is consider general truth, and that is why are is acceptable. However, I would argue that even though PreciousJones still believes that slingshots are boring, we still cannot consider the sentence as a general truth. For one, it cannot be consider truth if her feelings can change: maybe she find them interesting tomorrow. Second, since the sentence states that we find slingshot boring, we do not know if everyone in we still believes that slingshots are boring.

That is why I believe were is only acceptable in this case.

Fivejedjon · Answer

MeathawkIn does not sound natural to me.

. It is incorrect.

MeathawkYou are probably right, but I don't agree with that. The main tense in the sentence is past tense, and it would be best if we pick a tense and stick with it.

There is no obligation in English to 'stick with' a tense if a change of tense is appropriate.

MeathawkYou can argue that the phrase that slingshots are boring is consider general truth, and that is why 'are is acceptable.

Yes, or that the speaker sees the situation as still true. It's not just 'general truths' that do not need to be backshifted, If the situation is still true in the speaker's mind, then the speaker will not backshift.

MeathawkFor one, it cannot be considered truth if her feelings can change: maybe she find them interesting tomorrow.

It does not matter if the speaker will feel differently tomorrow. We are dealing with the situation as seen by the speaker at the moment of reporting.

Meathawk Second, since the sentence states that we find slingshot boring, we do not know if everyone in we still believes that slingshots are boring.

We are not concerned with universal truth but with the situation as perceived by the speaker at the moment of speaking.

Mister Micawber · Answer

Meathawkhy are is acceptable. However, I would argue that even though PreciousJones still believes that slingshots are boring, we still cannot consider the sentence as a general truth. For one, it cannot be consider truth if her feelings can change: maybe she find them interesting tomorrow. Second, since the sentence states that we find slingshot boring, we do not know if everyone in we still believes that slingshots are boring.

You are confusing grammar with all the exigencies of real life. We are not required to examine each idiosyncrasy of real moments to decide on general truths, for instance. It is a hopeless pursuit which you may wander down if you like, but it does not affect the grammatical truth that both past and present are acceptable in the sentence, without fear or favour.

Anonymous · Answer

The shift from past to present tense is unnecessary in this situation.  All it does is interrupt the flow of the sentence, and worst of all, it can be confusing to switch tense without warning.  If there is a possibility that the clause interrupts the reader, then why do it?

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