the story happens in the past vs the story happened in the past

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'The story happens in the past' is used when describing a story that is currently unfolding in the past tense, while 'the story happened in the past' is used when referring to a story that has already taken place in the past.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 3503 views

the story happens in the past

This phrase is correct and can be used when describing a story that is currently unfolding in the past tense.

This phrase is used to indicate that the events of the story are taking place in the past, even though the story itself may be told in the present tense.

Examples:

The story happens in the past, with the main character reflecting on his childhood.
In this novel, the story happens in the past, but the impact is still felt in the present.

Show examples from the web [+]

That did not happen in the past.
The past is tethered to the story of our memories.
BERKELEY - One disturbing thing about studying economic history is how things that happen in the present change the past - or at least our understanding of the past.
You currently coordinate such things in the Commission and that did not happen in the past.
Now, in the past he packed up and moved when the story broke and we got too close.
I want you to know I have one rule: whatever happens in the past, stays in the past.
I know how much that tower meant to you, to all of you, but you can't change what happens in the past.
In the past, communities could afford to think of one another as fundamentally today, as we learn from the recent tragic events in the United States, whatever happens in one region eventually affects many other areas.
Anything new happen in the past hour?
We will continue to receive reports which will tell the story of what is to happen in the months that are to come.
Now, in the past he packed up and moved when the story broke and we got too close.
Now, we have everything in the past that has ever happened down there, and we have everything that ever could happen in the future up here.
It's not about what happened in the past... or what you think might happen in the future.
Did anything happen in the past... that you were all involved in?
I am thinking of severe discrimination and bullying in the workplace against women who are pregnant or intend to marry and who are called on to resign beforehand, which is something that happens in my country but is no longer a crime as it was in the past.
I s... happens in the story, please?
Mr. Lasenthal, our intention is to work with the FBI or any relevant officials as we've always done in the past to ensure the story is responsibly reported.
I believe in specifics, the specifics of story, and the past, the specifics of that past, and what is happening in the story at that point.
That is why I am going to tell you something that you might not like to hear: I think it would be best if you let the story of Trianon remain in the past.
Our story happens to be the truth.

Alternatives:

The story is set in the past
The story takes place in the past
The story unfolds in the past
The story is situated in the past
The story occurs in the past

the story happened in the past

This phrase is correct and is used when referring to a story that has already taken place in the past.

This phrase is used to describe events in a story that have already occurred in the past.

Examples:

The story happened in the past, and its consequences are still felt today.
She told me about a story that happened in the past.

Show examples from the web [+]

For everything that happened in the past.
And he described something that happened in the story...
Just to tell you, two stories happened in the last two years.
This bloody story happened in 17. century It began with an act of violence
We know how frequently that's happened in the past.
What happened in the past hour?
He forgives me for anything that happened in the past.
A lot's happened in the past year...
This has happened in the past.
Something that happened in the past, so...
But whatever happened in the past, I...
Three deaths which happened in the past year.
What has happened in the past weeks is, alas, no contribution to stability.
Lot's happened in the past 24 hours.
And that is what happened in the past.
All of our life experiences, ...including this conversation, happened in the past.
Fires and floods have happened in the past and will always continue to happen.
Much has happened in the past year.
Things that happened in the past.
It's the story of what really happened in Sherwood Forest.

Alternatives:

The story took place in the past
The story occurred in the past
The story transpired in the past
The story unfolded in the past
The story was set in the past

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the story happens in the past vs the story happened in the past