Born

[jack]

What do these mean?
1. I am born in Canada. (Fact?)
2. I was born in Canada. (At the time when I was born?)

[HCaulfield]

Actually, I've never heard 1. It seems to be that, being that born means "brought into life through birth", it doesn't make much sense. I was born in Canada indicates a fact and makes no implication regarding time, save the fact that it has already taken place. It's different if you say I'm Canada-born. In that case, they mean pretty much the same.

[Mister Micawber]

The first is not possible with an individual existence-- it can only be used generally, as in 'whales are born underwater'. The second is the standard statement of birth.

Other tenses are possible:

'Their baby hasn't been born yet; it is expected to be born in early February, but I think it will be born late this month.'

[jack]

The first is not possible with an individual existence-- it can only be used generally,

What do you mean by this? So 'I am born in Canada.' is okay in what circumstances? I still don't really get why 'I'm born in Canada' is incorrect? Isn't that a fact? How come that's not right?

[HCaulfield]

It just doesn't work. Try and replace it for its equivalent "brought into life through birth". If you think of it that way, I am born in Canada makes no sense, yet whales are born underwater makes perfect sense. So does I was born in Canada.

[jack]

Thanks. That is helpful.