The correct wording.....

[mrs.chappie]

Apologies, this is the wrong category, I don't know where it should go....

I've made a birthday card for a soon-to-be 60 year old lady and put her head on a young bellydancer's body (for a joke).

Underneath I have written "Although 60 years old, Pam HAD the body of woman half her age...."

I have been asked, "Shouldn't it say 'Although 60 years old, Pam HAS the body of a woman half her age'?

Which is correct please? Am I right in thinking both would be acceptable? Thanks peeps. x

[craft1948]

Has...............

[Canary42]

HAD could imply that she used to have it but no longer does.

[Psybbo]

60 years young, Pam has (if you are kind)

[andy-hughes]

The correct word is 'has' - you are referring to Pam as she is in the present - on her birthday - so you need to use the present tense in your greeting.

[mrs.chappie]

Thanks a bunch peeps. x

[LoftyLottie]

Watch it Triggs!!!! Flowers and doilies indeed for us oldies!!!

Definitely HAS. In my own case HAD!!

[craft1948]

I love the cards I get with jokes about being old............they're so funny.

[mrs.chappie]

Shurrrrrup Triggs, I'm not that far off 60 meself. :o(

Going back to my question....could I be referring to Pam in the third tense or something? I'm out of my depth here but I'm sure I've seen something similar on a proper (mass-produced) card. Am I barking up the wrong tree? What exactly is the "third tense"?

Bu88er, I wish I'd never said I'd make the bloomin' thing now.

[LoftyLottie]

Thanks Triggs x

You are right Mrs C, on the mass produced cards they do use the word HAD but there is no name referred to. As this is personal and shows her name I would put HAS.

[mrs.chappie]

Okay, thanks peeps. I'll redo it.