What is meaning difference in the below sentences?
Once your ID card number has been noted, there’s no way of escaping the fine.
and
Once your ID card number is noted, there’s no way of escaping the fine.
Learn English – Meaning difference between using “is” and “has been”
perfect-constructions
Best Answer
Either can be used, but it depends on context.
The first would be used in describing the process of being caught speeding. "If a policeman has pulled you over for speeding, once your ID card number has been noted, etc." In this case, the situation is described as having occurred at some time in the past, so the "has been noted" is the proper tense.
The second would be used as part of a narrative. "Imagine you're driving down the highway, not paying attention to the speedometer. A police officer pulls you over and issues you a ticket, and takes your ID card back to his cruiser. Once your ID card number is noted, there's no way of escaping the fine." Here, the situation is described in present (what you might call hypothetical or imaginary) tense, so "is noted" is appropriate.