have vs had

[somekidinnyc]

<p>

According to the store manager, the most important workers were those who had contributed to the reputation of the store rather than those with the most impressive sales figures.

</p>

<p>Isn’t “have” a better word? When do you use “have” or “had”?</p>

[Arachnotron]

<p>“were” is the key word here. If it’s “were” (which is past tense), use the past “had”. If it said: “the most important workers ARE” then use “have”.</p>

[somekidinnyc]

<p>OK, thanks.</p>