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Yoong Liat Posted 19 years ago
Grammar

Which word should be used?

The first day of school was an unhappy one for John.
It is / was the day he will never forget.

Which word should I use?

Many thanks.
  

Top answer

I think you would hear either one, but based on the first sentence, I suppose 'was' might be preferable. I would also suggest changing 'the' to 'a'.

— Yankee

  • I think you would hear either one, but based on the first sentence, I suppose 'was' might be preferable.
  • I would also suggest changing 'the' to 'a'.
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5 Answers
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I think you would hear either one, but based on the first sentence, I suppose 'was' might be preferable. I would also suggest changing 'the' to 'a'.
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YankeeI think you would hear either one, but based on the first sentence, I suppose 'was' might be preferable. I would also suggest changing 'the' to 'a'.
Hi Yankee,

Is the reason why you suggested changing 'the' to 'a' is that there may be other days that John will never forget?

Thank you.

Best wishes,

PBF
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Yes. Using 'the' suggests 'the only day (in his life) that John will never forget' and that seems a very unlikely prediction of the future -- much too unlikely for the use of 'will'.
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Ah. I see. Thank you for explaining that to me, Yankee.

Best wishes,

PBF
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