A Good Example of not Needing the Future Tense

rogersgeorge on May 4th, 2023

Here’s the rule: for something customary, use the present tense even if it’s in the future. Last panel. Try using the present tense in it:

Tiger, from Comics Kindgon for March 24, 2023

Say “You mean it opens only when it rains”? Better, isn’t it?

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Rogers George has been a technical writer for more than 20 years. He has written on subjects as diverse as outhouse assembly, restaurant reviews, software, information security, and scientific equipment. He has his own writing consultancy and is always happy to discuss writing and grammar. Drop him a line at curmudgeon@writing-rag.com.

A Good Example of not Needing the Future Tense

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