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Is it correct to say sth. like that (in a letter to your friend) :
Thank you for your letter. I answered as soon as I could.
What would be better?
Thank you,
Mia
It sounds better. What about I am answering as soon as I can?
Would you please explain, why do I have to use the past tense in the second part of the sentence?
'could' sounds better to me- the act or replying is present because you are actually writing it now, but the opportunity arose before you sat down to write.