Do I use present or past tense?

I have to write about language for my writing class, and I decide to write about my experience when I moved to a new place where I didn't quite understand the language.

I know I will use past tense when writing about my past experiences, but what if I want to add, say, some aspects of the language's grammar? You know, these things still apply until now.

Do I have to use past tense for that or can I use present tense? It'll be one or two pharagraphs long, so it really matters..

I hope someone can help me here. Thanks in advance!

Comments

  • Use present tense to describe things that continue to this day, and use past tense, as you already know, to describe past actions or occurrences.

  • 1. Past tense is over and done 'actions', or events.

    2. Present tense is used for things being done now, on-going actions, or expected to continue.

    However, you can use past tense when describing events or knowledge that was learned about, but still continues to be valid or true now. For example:

    I was only ten years old when I learned English. I still remember the rules my teacher taught us.

    I learned (long ago but continue to have that knowledge/skill)

    I remember (now, from previous time)

  • I dont quite understand what you mean but if you are saying things that lead up to the present you are still going to use past tense.

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