Two weeks ago a Forum member asked me these grammar questions: “Can we narrate history in the present tense? (2) What’s the difference between the two special narrative forms that use the present tense for past occurrences, namely (a) the rhetorical present of literature, scientific principles, and general truths, and (b) the historical present? Let’s first take a look at how the simple present tense works in narrative prose. To avoid getting confused though, keep in mind that the historical present is a narrative style that’s distinct from factual history written in the present tense. What are the editorial considerations when narrating history in the past tense or present tense?”Historians are right on track in writing history in the past tense, and I’m sure they’ll keep it that way.

Source: Manila Times August 19, 2020 16:30 UTC