[Forum] RE: Past tense for quotes

5.129 is what I found. I always assumed past tense was correct. I just can't find where it specifically says use past tense. Plus in 13.14 there is an example that starts Fish writes, "Blah..." I think I've used the idea if someone is dead, then def the past tense is used. While if alive, the prese

[Forum] Past tense for quotes

Does it anywhere specifically say that the past tense should b e used, when saying for example: He wrote, "XXX" versus He writes, "XXX." I found something in the a discussion about tenses, that timeless works can use current tense. But can't find where it says one must use past tense. TY.

[Forum] RE: First person dialogue

I think what might be confusing you is the tense. Is all this supposed to be happening in the present? If so, then go with the present tense. If these are events that are being recalled, go with the past tense. You didn't highlight all the verbs, so I get the impression the author is striving for pr

[Forum] RE: tense over tense

[quote='RGJaxon' pid='34460' dateline='1507638589'] I think I'd change that to "they must have been part tiger!" [/quote] Agree. This is all written in the past tense, so Romans' beliefs about the tigers must be past tense as well.

[Forum] RE: Tense changes - past to present

Hi, and welcome to the CMOS forum. Before getting into the tense, I have a bigger problem with "you're" and "you'd." Who is this referring to? The female cop? These are more of a concern to me than the tense.

[Forum] RE: if there were vs if there was

Thanks for your explanation, Jerry, and for the citations, Pixna. Subjunctive tense often confuses me, especially if the overall tense is the past tense. This helps.

[Forum] RE: tense over tense

Keep in mind, the narrator is already in Sara's future, since the story is being told in past tense. I would leave it as "did".

[Forum] RE: Past tense or present tense in a dissertation?

Hi, and welcome to the CMOS forum. I think we'd need much more information and contextual details before we could weigh in on a tense preference. Can you provide some examples?

[Forum] RE: When to use present tense vs. past tense

Those are tricky issues, but yes, I believe you made the right call in both cases.  The first, because the problem is ongoing, and so simple past tense doesn't fit.  In the second, the district court made a decision (simple past) about policy that remains true today, and therefore present tense.  Th

[Forum] RE: Past/present tense use of idioms - in a past tense narrative.

Thanks. "The devil only knows," is generally the expression - as is "God only knows." I have heard/seen them the other way around, but rather infrequently. So I've no problem with the order of the phrase (it's appropriate, in this case, for the narrator's voice). Jury's still out on tense. Som