60. Historic present 

When writing about a past event, we can use the present tense to make it appear as if the event is actually happening. 

Even if a person is dead, he or she can still be spoken of in the present tense. 

This is known as using the historic present. 

The following sentences are written using the historic present.

 • Winston Churchill is one of England’s greatest statesmen. 

• Captain Cook is responsible for white settlement in Australia.