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Anonymous Posted 14 years ago
Grammar
Who sings or who sang
Hi,
If I am asking a question (a trivia game question) about a song, which is the correct way:
1. Who sang "My Way"?
2. Who sings "My Way"?
Does it matter that the answer to the question is a singer that already passed away? (Frank Sinatra in this case)
Would the answer be different if the question was about a living artist e.g.:
1. Who sang "Blowin' in the Wind"?
2. Who sings "Blowin' in the Wind"?
If there's another option which is better than the two above, I will be happy to know.
Thank You!
If I am asking a question (a trivia game question) about a song, which is the correct way:
1. Who sang "My Way"?
2. Who sings "My Way"?
Does it matter that the answer to the question is a singer that already passed away? (Frank Sinatra in this case)
Would the answer be different if the question was about a living artist e.g.:
1. Who sang "Blowin' in the Wind"?
2. Who sings "Blowin' in the Wind"?
If there's another option which is better than the two above, I will be happy to know.
Thank You!
Top answer
Yes, I would use 'sang' for Sinatra.
- Yes, I would use 'sang' for Sinatra.
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4 Answers
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What about the case of a living artist:
1. Who sings 'Like a Prayer'?
OR
2. Who sang 'Like
What about the case of a living artist:
1. Who sings 'Like a Prayer'?
OR
2. Who sang 'Like
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If it is a performance, you would typically use "sang". e.g.,: Who sang the national anthem at the Super Bowl?
If it is a song, you would typically use "sing". Oftentimes, even if the singer is dead.
If it is a song, you would typically use "sing". Oftentimes, even if the singer is dead.
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Good point, Joshua: 'sang' for a recognized instance, as at a concert or for a song that is no longer popular (i.e. has no other currently famous singers) and 'sings' for a current song and singer. However, I think 'sang' if the singer is dead (as with Sinatra or Houston) and there is no current singer who is also known for the song.
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