WHAT IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE FORM OF TENSE TO BE USED IN BOOKS WRITING?

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Daviesmurf
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Re: WHAT IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE FORM OF TENSE TO BE USED IN BOOKS WRITING?

Post by Daviesmurf »

it really depends on what kind of narrative technique being employed but for me past tense does it.
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Post by Telo_2018 »

I think past tense makes the plot of the story convincing or genuine at some point. Present tense makes a story a story, one which occurred before the present time. But modern writers have various styles and options. Present or future tense is common in various books of different genres today.
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Post by Yssimnar »

Aisha I wrote: 07 Apr 2018, 00:15 Frequently, many writers become confused about what tense to use in narrating a new story. They ponder if they should use the present tense, present continuous, past tense or the past participles in terms of verbs and the action of the story.
It is accurate to use either past tense or present tense in writing a story. I use either of them in narrating a story but I prefer using the present tense at most. I make sure I stay consistent with a particular tense because it's atrocious to use both present tense and past tense at the same time, and it is fun to use one in line with the story.

What can you say about this topic?
Which do you prefer and why do you think it's the best?
I think it depends on the preference and purpose of the author. The key is to be consistent. If the author is jumping around, we have to ask if there is a purpose in changing tense or if the author is just being sloppy.
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Post by pre106-2 »

present tense, although there are some situations that requires the use of past tense and other tenses, but I think present tense should be frequently used.
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Post by Nditah »

For a review, I think the Present tense may be used for non-fiction while the past tense, for fiction.
I feel so because the present gives a sense of the content being factual and unchanging while the past gives the feeling of recounting an event.
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Post by kaymontacell »

I definitely prefer past tense. Stories are, presumably, being told as if they happened before. It can get irritating after a while to hear "I take the knife from the cupboard" or something like that.
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Post by Asisha Joseph »

Past tense is the constant, most common, and therefore most accepted tense. I say this as someone who writes in the present tense, though. But if you're confused which tense to write in, one of the best advices I've heard is to write a scene(s) in both tenses, and see which feels more original.

A word or two of caution: present tense is much more difficult to write than past tense. I didn't believe this was true until I started writing. If you have less then perfect grasp on grammar, and even if you do, think a thousand times before going for the present tense.

Also, what's the norm is past tense. Most people prefer it. So writing in the present may throw some readers off, unless your writing is brilliant. If you really want to take that chance, go for it.
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Mai Tran
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Post by Mai Tran »

I asked myself this same question when I first started writing reviews. From what I've heard, the basic rule is to use past tense when discussing historical events and literary present when discussing fictional events.

On the other hand, it's fine to use past tense when you're talking about your experience with a book. I use past tense for the most part of my reviews because tense shifting can be confusing to readers. I haven't had any problem so far, so it must be acceptable.
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Post by fernsmom »

I think the present continuous as well is the best tense to use throughout the book. It makes me feel as if I am thinking the character's thoughts, and acting as they act. I tend to get more wrapped up in the story if this tense is used.
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Post by Sunday diamond »

I prefer using past tense, as it make my writing a strong one. Using past tense make the reader feels he's watching film.
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Post by Alice Thokchom »

It depends on the story. If it is about a memory, past tense would be appropriate. If the book is about future plans or just ideas, present tense would be appropriate.
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Post by Infinity_100 »

I think using present tense make the narration real and authentic, especially in story writing.
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Post by VandaQ »

This is an interesting topic. When I write creatively, it really depends on the person I use as well. Some tenses will go better with different narratorial voices. For example, I like to experiment quite a bit and I love using 2nd person and present tense. It sounds like: "You stand up, anger pulsating along your temples, and you can feel your nails digging into your palms, leaving marks". I think that's an interesting use of present tense. Past tense, in my opinion, is best used with a distant narrator, so a 3rd person approach might benefit from it more. 1st person and present tense can create a very intimate setting and feeling while 1st person and past tense will give the work a reflective, pensive feeling. The choice of tense can't, on its own, make or break a piece. I believe it must be thought of as an integral part in the composition. I'm curious if anyone thinks of tense in the same way? :)
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Post by johndaniel88 »

There's an interesting Fantasy genre Indian Story by the name "Tasher Desh" where author meets the characters from the book as he is writing. I personally feel anything that happened in the past ignites our curiosity. Future can be predicted and altered, past remains static. The terms attached to past world and it environment are simple.
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Post by Renu G »

Using present tense in a narrative is often intended to draw a reader into the story.
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