"Mr. Tanner was telephoning a American Red Cross for help." vs "Mr. Tanner is telephoning a American Red Cross for help."

Question

"Mr. Tanner was telephoning a American Red Cross for help." vs "Mr. Tanner is telephoning a American Red Cross for help."

The correct phrase is: 'Mr. Tanner was telephoning the American Red Cross for help.' The use of 'was' in the past continuous tense is appropriate when describing an action that was ongoing in the past. Additionally, 'the' should be used before 'American Red Cross' to indicate a specific organization.

Last Updated: March 26, 2024

The correct phrase should be: 'Mr. Tanner was telephoning the American Red Cross for help.'

Alternatives:

Mr. Tanner was calling the American Red Cross for help.
Mr. Tanner was phoning the American Red Cross for help.
Mr. Tanner was contacting the American Red Cross for help.
Mr. Tanner was dialing the American Red Cross for help.
Mr. Tanner was reaching out to the American Red Cross for help.

The correct phrase should be: 'Mr. Tanner was telephoning the American Red Cross for help.'

Alternatives:

Mr. Tanner was calling the American Red Cross for help.
Mr. Tanner was phoning the American Red Cross for assistance.
Mr. Tanner was contacting the American Red Cross for aid.
Mr. Tanner was dialing the American Red Cross for support.
Mr. Tanner was reaching out to the American Red Cross for help.

Answer 1

Mr. Tanner was telephoning a American Red Cross for help.

This phrase is correct. 'Was' is used in the past continuous tense to indicate an ongoing action in the past. However, 'a' should be replaced with 'the' before 'American Red Cross' to indicate a specific organization.

Answer 2

Mr. Tanner is telephoning a American Red Cross for help.

This phrase is not correct. 'Is' should be replaced with 'was' to indicate the past continuous tense, and 'a' should be replaced with 'the' before 'American Red Cross' to indicate a specific organization.

"Mr. Tanner was telephoning a American Red Cross for help." vs "Mr. Tanner is telephoning a American Red Cross for help."

Mr. Tanner was telephoning a American Red Cross for help.

Mr. Tanner is telephoning a American Red Cross for help.

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