two questions

[Nanatuha]

Dear teachers.


When I want to refer about an content in a book, which written in past and act's result still remains, which tense can i use past or past participle?

"I think it is true what was written in the book." or "I think it is true what have been written in the book."

Because of the act as writing finished in past, I think the former may be suitable. But think about some expression like "I have broken my arm", the later also seems possible.



What does "dial it down" mean? I saw this phrase when someone saying a joke and another person responded this.


Very thanks for helping.


EDIT: It was not phase but phrase.

[Mister Micawber]

.
Both of these are fine:

'I think that what was /has been written in the book is true'. 'Was' considers the completed event of writing; 'has been' makes it more immediate for the listener, by connecting its import with 'now'.


'Dial it down' I surmise is similar to 'tone it down' = 'not so loud / raucous / risque'.

.

[Nanatuha]

Originally Posted by Mister Micawber

'I think that what was /has been written in the book is true'. 'Was' considers the completed event of writing; 'has been' makes it more immediate for the listener, by connecting its import with 'now'.

My confusing is cleared now.

'Dial it down' I surmise is similar to 'tone it down' = 'not so loud / raucous / risque'.

I see. Now think about that, the joke contained a bit indecent tone so the third instance looks like fit the situation.

Thank you Micawber. I appreciate your help.