Frank is my best friend!
Frank was my best friend!
Here, is and was are pointing to the present time, and past time.
Mom: Look, you dirty little grub!
Child: Mum, it wasn't my fault.
What is wasn't is pointing to, or referring to?
Child: Mum, it isn't my fault.
What is isn't pointing to, or referring to?
Can I assume is focuses on attention, while was focuses on event?
MOM: Jack and Hughie got hold of the doll before poor Meggie had a chance to see it properly.
DAD: Well, boys will be boys. Is the damage bad?
or
DAD: Well, boys will be boys. Was the damage bad?
The doll was damaged before the conversation starts.
To what are is and was pointing, in the above sentences?
A: But, Sister, it was my fault!
B: It is a matter of complete indifference to me which one of you was responsible.
or
B: It is a matter of complete indifference to me which one of you is responsible.
To what are is and was pointing, in the above sentences?
One more sentence.
Son: I just wish we'd get rich one of these days, so you could have a maid.
Mom :That is wishful thinking!
or
Mom: That was wishful thinking!
To what are is and was pointing, in the above sentences?