This device is often used in story telling and especially in jokes. E.g. "A man goes into a pub and asks the barman ......" It adds a freshness and immediacy to the narrative.
Present historic used in English
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Alan K.Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor
Present historic used in English
This question relates to:Spanish lesson "Using the present in Spanish to narrate past events"
Asked 5 years ago
InmaKwiziq Head of Spanish, Native Spanish Teacher
Hi Alan
Yes, we also use it when telling jokes actually, exactly the same way, for example: "...y va el tío y le dice..." (...and the bloke goes and says...)
Inma
Alan K. asked:
Present historic used in English
This device is often used in story telling and especially in jokes. E.g. "A man goes into a pub and asks the barman ......" It adds a freshness and immediacy to the narrative.
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