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Yapcs88 Posted 6 years ago
Grammar

What tenses to use in writing meeting minutes

I understand that you must use past tense when writing minutes. However, there are some instances when I am not sure if past tense should be used as it would either change the meaning of the sentence or sound weird. Below are some situations which I have trouble with:

1.When something is in progress / happen in future.

Example:

  • The team is checking on the machine. (Should it be: The team was checking on the machine)
  • Checks on the system are being done. (Should it be: Checks on the system was being done)
  • All the members agree to build a new building. The construction of a new building will start February next year (in February Year 2021). (Should it be: All the members agreed to build a new building. The construction of a new building would start February next year)
  • The Sun will rise at 5.20 am every morning in Sydney. (Should it be: The Sun would rise at 5.20 am every morning in Sydney).

2.When Something is not Certain.

Example :

  • If there are sufficient data to support the efficiency of the new system... (Should it be: If there were sufficient data to support the efficiency of the new system...)
  • If the project is successful... (should it be: If the project was successful)
  

Top answer

yapcs88 The team is checking on the machine. Checks on the system are being done. All the members agree to build a new building.

  • yapcs88 The team is checking on the machine.
  • Checks on the system are being done.
  • All the members agree to build a new building.
  • OK, supposing that these things were all true at the time of the meeting for which you are taking the minutes.
  • yapcs88 The construction of a new building will start ...
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1 Answers
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yapcs88The team is checking on the machine.
Checks on the system are being done.
All the members agree to build a new building.

OK, supposing that these things were all true at the time of the meeting for which you are taking the minutes.

yapcs88The construction of a new building will start ...

Correct.

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