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Tamguatlay Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

Which verb in bold should I use?

I was traumatised by my husband's embezzlement of his company's funds and I kept asking why I was so unfortunate, and how such a thing could happen to our family? In everyone’s eyes, he is/was a good husband and a good father.

Which verb in bold should I use?

I am confused because after his crime, not everyone, including his children, will view him as a good husband and a good father unless the person/s do not know of his crime.

Thanks.
  

Top answer

If you are writing in the present, then "was" obviously implies that this was the opinion before the events described. "is" could be justified in the sense that he could be a good husband and father (good to his family) despite his criminal behaviour, or, as, you say, if "everyone" does not yet know about the crime. If you are writing in the past then "is" becomes "was", and "was" becomes "had been".

— GPY

  • If you are writing in the present, then "was" obviously implies that this was the opinion before the events described.
  • "is" could be justified in the sense that he could be a good husband and father (good to his family) despite his criminal behaviour, or, as, you say, if "everyone" does not yet know about the crime.
  • If you are writing in the past then "is" becomes "was", and "was" becomes "had been".
  • The first sentence should not have a question mark.
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8 Answers
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If you are writing in the present, then "was" obviously implies that this was the opinion before the events described. "is" could be justified in the sense that he could be a good husband and father (good to his family) despite his criminal behaviour, or, as, you say, if "everyone" does not yet know about the crime.

If you are writing in the past then "is" becomes "was", and "was" becomes
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My sentences are part of religious testimony. In that case, should I use "is" or "was"? Thanks.
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tamguatlay tamguatlayMy sentences are part of religious testimony. In that case, should I use "is" or "was"? Thanks.
It depends on whether you want to claim that everyone still considers him a good husband and father.
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tamguatlayWhich verb in bold should I use?
was

CJ
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CalifJimwas
Why do you disagree with my answer?
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GPYWhy do you disagree with my answer?
I don't. That's fine too.

I was just thinking, though, that it says "embezzlement of his company's funds", and I couldn't imagine that the people at the company he worked for now think he is so wonderful, so it can't be "everyone".

CJ
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CalifJimI was just thinking, though, that it says "embezzlement of his company's funds", and I couldn't imagine that the people at the company he worked for now think he is so wonderful, so it can't be "everyone".
Oh, I see. My thinking was that "everyone's" opinion of him as a husband and father could be different from their opinion of him in respect of his b
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GPY... as a husband and father could be different from their opinion of him in respect of his behaviour at work.
Theoretically, yes, but human nature is such that opinions tend to bleed over from one area to another, so that to the victims of the embezzlement the guy is most likely a total persona non grata in every respect even if they used t
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