Writing Question

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#1

<p>Despite its cultural importance, the Daily Gazette lost 70 percent of its subscribers since 1920 and, by 1955, was losing as much as $200,000 a year. </p>

<p>Lost is the correct answer. The reason given is as follows: </p>

<p>"The error in this sentence occurs at (B), where the present perfect tense of the verb (“has lost”) should be used instead of the past tense (“lost”) to indicate an action that is completed in the present (“since 1920”)." </p>

<p>Could someone please explain or give a few examples on the correct situation to use the present perfect tense and the past tense? I googled it, ofcourse, but came up a little confused. "Since 1920" seemed like a set time to me, but the correct answer may be in present perfect tense because X% could have been lost in 1930 or X% in 1940.</p>

<p>Thanks for your help guys</p>

#2

<p>Use the present perfect tense to show that an action started in the past and is still going on (or still holds true).</p>

<p>The Johnson family has owned a music store for 10 years (and still do).</p>

<p>Use the past tense to show that an action occurred in the past. </p>

<p>The Johnson family owned a music store (and currently don't).</p>

#3

<p>Thank-you :) </p>

<p>So although it is 2011, why do we assume that this is still going on? Is it because of "by 1955, <strong><em>was losing</em></strong>"? </p>

<p>I also have another question I had trouble with. </p>

<p>"In English literature James Boswell is the prime example of a biographer who, by ensuring the [[immortality of another author]], has achieved [[immortality for himsel]]. No error"</p>

<p>The correct answer is E. I was wondering why OF is used for insuring the immortality instead of FOR which is used later in the sentence. </p>

<p>Thanks again!</p>

#4

<p>I think that in the context of the sentence, it is still going on. </p>

<p>--</p>

<p>for: with the object or purpose of
of: used to indicate cause, motive, occasion, or reason</p>

<p>^thanks to dicitonary.com</p>

<p>Boswell's biography made the other author immortal. </p>

<p>But Boswell's purpose wasn't completely altruistic. His other objective was to make himself immortal. </p>

<p>--</p>

<p>I'll leave you with this note:</p>

<p>To distinguish between words that seem interchangeable the vernacular, use a dictionary :).</p>

#5

<p>Thank-you very much iceqube :) . You're awesome.</p>

#6

<p>Thanks! I'm always glad to help :D.</p>