Faqihani
What tense we use when we write story? My teacher told me that I have to use past tense when write a story, but 2 days ago I read a story in present tense. Which is true? or we can use all tenses?
Dec 27, 2011 5:00 PM
Answers · 6
2
Past, present or future. Or all three... the choice is yours.
December 27, 2011
2
It depends on what you are writing. Most newspaper stories are in passive past tense.
December 27, 2011
1
I think your teacher said that because the past tense is the most frequently used tense for writing stories. Clearly, you can write in whichever tense you want. The challenge is how will the reader react. We tend to prefer hearing stories about what has occurred as opposed to what is unfolding as we speak, especially if it is anything longer than a short story. If you wish to be provocative or intriguing, a tense other than past is fine. You might want to take a look at the following: http://www.novel-writing-help.com/past-tense.html
December 28, 2011
1
It depends on the story. If you are writing about things right now, it would be present tense. If it is something that has previously happened, it would be in past tense.
December 27, 2011
It all depends when the action takes place. LOL.
December 28, 2011
Show more
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!