Ernest Hemingway is/was the writer of the book

[Tan Elaine]

Ernest Hemingway is/was the writer of the book "The Old Man and The Sea".

I think it is 'is'. However, the writer has passed away. So shouldn't it be 'was'?

Many thanks

[engee30]

Ernest Hemingway is/was the author of the book "The Old Man and The Sea".

I think it is 'is'. However, the writer has passed away. So shouldn't it be 'was'?

Many thanks

[Tan Elaine]

Hi Engee30

What does your question mark represent?

[engee30]

Hi Engee30

What does your question mark represent?

I don't seem to get your question.

[Tan Elaine]

Sorry for having confused you.

It should have been what does this represent in respect of my question.

[bhaisahab]

Ernest Hemingway is/was the writer of the book "The Old Man and The Sea".

I think it is 'is'. However, the writer has passed away. So shouldn't it be 'was'?

Many thanks

Both are fine.

[engee30]

Sorry for having confused you.

It should have been what does this represent in respect of my question.

It means I'm glad to have been able to help you.

[Tan Elaine]

Hi Engee30

Thanks for the explanation.

[Marilyn Miller]

Ernest Hemingway is/was the writer of the book "The Old Man and The Sea".

I think it is 'is'. However, the writer has passed away. So shouldn't it be 'was'?

Many thanks

What a good question! You can use 'is' or 'was'.

Example:
Who was the writer of "The Old Man and the Sea"? Ernest Hemingway was.

Who is the writer of "The Old Man and the Sea"? Ernest Hemingway is.

The passive form of the verb would use the past tense only:
"The Old Man and the Sea" was written by Ernest Hemingway.

[Tan Elaine]

What a good question! You can use 'is' or 'was'.

Example:

The passive form of the verb would use the past tense only:
"The Old Man and the Sea" was written by Ernest Hemingway.

Thanks, Marilyn, for your help. The next question may be off-topic, but I hope you don't mind answering it.

The passive form of the verb would use the past tense only:

Why is 'would' used? Is it correct to use 'will'?

Many thanks.

PS: Moderator: If my latest question is off-topic, could you move it to the correct topic?. Thanks in advance.