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he is a boy vs he was a boy

The phrases are both acceptable, but they would be used in distinct contexts. 'He is a boy' is used to describe someone's current state or identity, while 'He was a boy' is used to talk about someone's past state or identity.
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Explained by Gregg
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: November 08, 2024 • 12463 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe someone's current state or identity.

"he is a boy"

Use 'he is a boy' to state that someone is currently a boy. This phrase is used in the present tense.

Examples:

  • He is a boy who loves playing soccer.
  • She is a girl, and he is a boy.
  • Is he a boy or a man?
  • Yes, he is a boy.
  • He is a boy with a great sense of humor.
  • Jan 21, 2023 ... Which is correct, "he is the boy" or "he is a boy"? All related (35).
  • Sep 2, 2024 ... We found out he is a boy after 3 months . Feels so weird switching pronouns.
  • Jun 24, 2022 ... 10K likes, 417 comments - madison.cheeatow on June 24, 2022: "#3 has arrived He is a boy and his name is Arie. Mixed reviews so far from ...
  • Aug 29, 2024 ... When Mahiro forgot he is a boy. Meme. r/OniichanOshimai - When Mahiro forgot he is a boy. Upvote
  • We think he might be a boy. We think probably he is a boy. He holds out the chest of his t-shirt and says to David, “I don't want to ...
  • Jun 17, 2024 ... What if I tell you he is a boy. Discussion. r/Cookierun - PEACH BLOSSOM ...
  • In: Kids. 4 Minute Read. By Melissa Roy. Share. He May Have Long Hair, But Yes—He Is a Boy www.herviewfromhome. “What you got in there?
  • Apr 7, 2011 ... A three-year old boy may understand that he is a boy, but not necessarily have internalized that he is always a boy and will remain male forever ...
  • Feb 29, 2020 ... Fam jam... (And He is a boy - Youvaan)
  • Mar 1, 2023 ... I think your reinforcement of reality is the key. He will keep hearing from you that he is a boy, and that it's so good and really a gift.

Alternatives:

  • He is a young boy.
  • He is a little boy.
  • He is a teenage boy.
  • He is a boy at heart.
  • He is a boy in the neighborhood.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to talk about someone's past state or identity.

"he was a boy"

Use 'he was a boy' to refer to someone's identity or state in the past. This phrase is used in the past tense.

Examples:

  • He was a boy when he first moved to the city.
  • She said he was a boy with a lot of potential.
  • He was a boy who loved adventure.
  • When he was a boy, he dreamed of becoming a pilot.
  • I remember he was a boy who always helped others.
  • Aug 8, 2024 ... He was a boy, she was a girl [OC]. r/Beastars - He was a boy, she was a girl [OC]. 439 upvotes · 25 comments. r/BocchiTheRock icon. r ...
  • Jul 27, 2005 ... What do you think Jesus was like when He was a boy? Was He like other boys, running and playing and so forth? And do you think He knew He ...
  • Nov 3, 2018 ... Was watching “Full Metal Jacket” and discovered Fisk, when he was a boy. r/Daredevil - did that on purpose ...
  • Sk8er Boi Lyrics: He was a boy, she was a girl / Can I make it any more obvious? / He was a punk, she did ballet / What more can I say?
  • Aug 9, 2013 ... Noodle (why yes, he was a boy) in a tutu. Bobbi in a box. Bobbi in flowers. Noodle (why yes, he was a boy) in a tutu also Canada day 2012. Bobbi in a saddle.
  • Jan 28, 2022 ... 406 likes, 24 comments - ronniehiii on January 28, 2022: "He was a boy, she was a girl. Can I make it anymore obvious?
  • Aug 1, 2024 ... When Avril Lavigne sang “he was a boy, she was a girl, can I make it any more obvious?” that was honestly kinda rude because if you think ...
  • Jun 30, 2018 ... Photo by Malaika Handa in The Tillary Hotel Brooklyn. 41 likes malihanda he was a boy / she was a girl / can i make it any more obvious
  • Sep 24, 2024 ... He was a Boy Scout even though he disliked sleeping in a tent. He spent many summers at his grandparent's beach house in the jersey shore ...
  • Apr 30, 2020 ...He was a boy, she was a girl, can I make it any more obvious?” At the time, I was exploring my own gender fluidity and was on the cusp of ...

Alternatives:

  • He used to be a boy.
  • He was once a boy.
  • He was a young boy back then.
  • He was a boy in his childhood.
  • He was a boy at that time.

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