is and was

[Anonymous]

Could someone please explain the following answers. Why one answer is with is, and the other with was. Both are with have and ever, so why the difference?

The highest building I have ever seen is the Empire State Building.

The longest flight I have ever been on was from Australia to USA.

I would be very grateful for some help!

 

[MikeNewYork]

Could someone please explain the following answers. Why one answer is with is, and the other with was. Both are with have and ever, so why the difference?

The highest building I have ever seen is the Empire State Building.

The longest flight I have ever been on was from Australia to USA.

I would be very grateful for some help!

In my opinion, the first sentence could have either "is" or "was." When "was" is used, it states what was true at the time. Without other information, one could infer that it is still true. When "is" is used, it removes all doubt that it is still true.

In the second, the same logic could be used, but I would far prefer "was" in that sentence. The Empire State Building is a physical thing that still exists. The flight, however, is over and it exists only as a memory. Do you see the difference? :wink: