Saturday, June 11, 2016

'Are' or 'were' examples (in the past)?




If a group of deceased persons stand out as a good example in the past, and that their example is definitely worth following now, do I say that they 'were' good examples to us; or do I say that they 'are' good examples to us ?


Answer



You would say they "are good examples" because the emphasis is on when the example they provide is good.



Examples:



"They were good examples to us [before they destroyed the world]."




"They are good examples to us [, we should honour their memories]."


No comments:

Post a Comment