Learn English – the difference between “deserves” and “deserved”

meaningtenseverbs

deserve /dəˈzərv/ verb

do something or have or show qualities worthy of (reward or punishment).

Which of the following sentences grammatically correct?

He deserved to die.

or,

He deserves to die.

or maybe they mean the same thing?

Best Answer

1.He deserves to die.

2.He deserved to die.

Both sentences are grammatical but are used in different contexts. #1 reveals one's opinion with respect to a person's fate, that is to happen sooner or later, whereas #2 talks about one's opinion about a deceased person or one person that somehow escaped death.

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