Yes, thanks for pointing that out, I’ll correct it!

You should read the knowing and the known

Yes, I think these are correct as objects. In some cases I’d probably consider the whole verb phrase the object though, to be clear, though, eg ‘appear to be correct’.

Hi Tim,

Sorry, I’ve been away from the computer. Yes what you’re saying makes sense, ideally we’d be looking for timeless and highly generalised definitions in a dictionary though I suppose it might depend on context here – I can imagine certain words that might by their nature carry some time-dependent definition, for example ‘result’ and similar would refer to something being completed so a definition referring to past events could help. Though it’d depend then on the specific examples you have in mind.

Phil

I note that the simple present tense’s main use is to express timeless truths (things which are true in the past, present and future). As such, one such use of the simple present tense is for the definitions listed in dictionaries, since the definitions are deemed unlikely to change and hence timeless in this sense. However, I have come across dictionaries whose definitions make use of the present perfect tense (e.g. definition of the word reason – a cause or an explanation for something that has happened or that somebody has done). I find that such a definition, which uses the present perfect tense, is not ideal considering that the present perfect tense cannot be used to express timeless truths, and may the mistaken impression that the word reason can only be used “for something which has happened or that somebody has done” ( i.e. past events with a connection to the present), but not for something which is happening (present)/ will happen (future); or that somebody is doing (present)/ will do (future).

Therefore, my view is that for such cases, the dictionary in question would do well to amend the definition to say for instance reason – a cause or an explanation for something that happens or that somebody does.

Do you think that the dictionary’s decision to use present perfect tense is reasonable? and if so, why?

Additionally, would you agree that my proposal to use the simple present tense (e.g. reason – a cause or an explanation for something that happens or that somebody does) is fair?

Thank you.

“I’m not going unless you agree to go with me.”
“You appear to be correct.”
“Please be quiet; I’m trying to study.”
“They’re attempting to solve the equation.”
“Let me know if you decide to leave early.”
“We hope to go in the near future.”
“We rarely manage to get out of the house for the night.”