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he is a boy vs he was a boy

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different 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.

Last updated: March 17, 2024

he is a boy

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

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.

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.

he was a boy

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

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.

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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