[Grammar] When to use present tense and past tense when telling a story that happened in the pa

[Ferdie11]

Hi,

Could you please tell me when to use present tense and past tense when telling a story that happened in the past.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Barb_D]

A standard way to write a story would be in the past.

However, when we're telling a story, we often switch back and forth between present and past, to draw the listeners into the story.

 

[Khosro]

When you are getting close to one of the main scenes of the story, as if you are acting that scene, you might suddenly shift to the present tense. That also happens when you start to describe a place or a person or a situation in the middle of your story.

 

[Tdol]

It depends how long a written story is to me; if it's short, chpping back and forwards between the present and the past can be a bit confusing, but it can bring the reader closer to the story (in theory).

 

[Ferdie11]

Thanks all for your useful responses. But I wonder if we have references?

 

[5jj]

Thanks all for your useful responses. But I wonder if we have references?

I wonder why you want references? Two teachers and a writer have given you their responses.

 

[Ferdie11]

I just wanted to read more about this topic.

 

[Tdol]

Some people call it the historical present.

 

[Ferdie11]

Thank you, Tdol. I really appreciate it.

I just wonder why some people call it the historical present. Shouldn't we all call it the historical present?