"is this a payment?" vs "was this a payment?"

Question

"is this a payment?" vs "was this a payment?"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Was this a payment?' is used when referring to a past event, while 'Is this a payment?' is used when asking about the current status of something. Therefore, the choice between the two depends on the timeframe being referred to.

Last Updated: March 08, 2024

This phrase is used to inquire if something is considered a payment at the present moment.

Examples:

Is this a payment for the goods delivered today?

Alternatives:

Is that a payment?
Is this considered a payment?
Is this payment?

This phrase is used to ask about a payment that was made in the past.

Examples:

Was this a payment for the services rendered last month?

Alternatives:

Was that a payment?
Did you make a payment?
Was this payment made?

Answer 1

is this a payment?

This phrase is correct when asking about the current status of something.

Answer 2

was this a payment?

This phrase is correct when referring to a past event.

"is this a payment?" vs "was this a payment?"

is this a payment?

was this a payment?

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