Which one of these sentences is grammatically correct?
- Why did the writer use this word?
- Why does the writer use this word?
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Both, although your question is not clear. I think you mean, "When we discuss an author's works, should we use past or present tenses?" – Yuri Feb 17 '17 at 10:50
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actually, I want to ask question on this website (ell), so I'm wondering which form I should use. – Shannak Feb 17 '17 at 10:53
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3Grammatically both sentences are correct, but "Hamburgers eat cows" is also grammatically correct. You need to provide a context in which you intend to use one of these sentences. – Yuri Feb 17 '17 at 11:01
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This is the context: http://ell.stackexchange.com/questions/119754/i-had-better-go-now-or-i-have-better-go-now – Shannak Feb 17 '17 at 11:07
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You can find your answer here: Tense usage with dead writers' work – Yuri Feb 17 '17 at 11:15
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Strongly related: http://ell.stackexchange.com/questions/7694/how-to-choose-between-say-and-said/7696 – Damkerng T. Feb 17 '17 at 13:00
1 Answers
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You would use "did" to indicate a single (or repeated) occurrence of something in the past.
You would use "does" to indicate a repeated or regular occurrence of something in the present.
In this case, either works when talking about a written work. The writer wrote it in the past, but you are reading it in the present. The only difference is your own personal point of view -- are you making this comment from the POV of the writer, or from you as the reader?
Andrew
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