Tense Errors That Matter

Some tense slips are cosmetic. Others change your whole meaning. "I've been married for ten years" says you are still married. "I was married for ten years" says you are divorced.

When in doubt, ask yourself one thing: "Am I talking about now, or just about then?" If it is just then, use simple past. If there is any real connection to the present moment, reach for present perfect. That one question clears up most tense mistakes before you make them.