correct tense of "to be" in where my house [is/was]

English grammar questions, answered by Alan

Moderator: Alan

Locked
ansonman
Rising Star
Rising Star
Posts: 136
Joined: Mon May 18, 2020 9:18 pm
Status: Learner of English

correct tense of "to be" in where my house [is/was]

Post by ansonman »

I have made up the sentences below.

(1) Yesterday, a film crew was making a movie on the side of ABC Park where my house was.

(1) Yesterday, a film crew was making a movie on the side of ABC Park where my house is.

I know there are ways to phrase my sentence, but that is not my question.

Most of my non-native English speaking friends think "was" is correct because it matches the tense used in the early part of the sentence. The rest of my friends and I think "is" is right because my house is still there.

Which tense of "to be" is correct? Please help me. Thank you.
User avatar
Alan
Teacher/Moderator
Teacher/Moderator
Posts: 15237
Joined: Mon Dec 29, 2003 7:56 pm
Status: Teacher of English
Location: Japan

Re: correct tense of "to be" in where my house [is/was]

Post by Alan »

Either is possible.

Unless you wish not to reveal that your house is still there, there is no reason to avoid using the present tense.
Locked