I don't know where else to post this, but I'm studying, and I could use a bit of help. So I thought I make a thread where I post questions, and if any language lover, grammar snob, fellow ESL... want to chime in, I would be glad
>>23623516Here's the first example I've been struggling with:- What were you doing with that ruler?- I am / was / have been / had been measuring the kitchenAside from the measuring of the kitchen with a ruler which doesn't make sense, which tense do you think is the correct one / the best choice? I think they're all acceptable answers, no?
>>23623532It would depend on the current status of the measuring operation. If it is ongoing - am(best)/have been. If it is complete - was(best)/had been.
>>23623655So the tense of the question isn't the deciding factor
>>23623685But it would. If someone is presently doing something one would not ask what *were* you doing? To your original question 'was' is the best option.
>>23623516"be like" establishes habitual aspect. It's nonstandard but replacing it with "are like" would basically remove the whole point of the construction
>>23623532>I think they're all acceptable answers, no?NO.>Aside from the measuring of the kitchen with a ruler which doesn't make sense, which tense do you think is the correct one / the best choice?THE CORRECT TENSE WOULD BE PAST CONTINUOUS: «I WAS MEASURING THE KITCHEN.»