This device is often used in story telling and especially in jokes. E.g. "A man goes into a pub and asks the barman ......" It adds a freshness and immediacy to the narrative.
Present historic used in English
- « Back to Q&A Forum
- « Previous questionNext question »
![](/files/shared/_avatar-mids/user/111283/IMG_20180618_163338_5b27d11515e46.jpg)
Alan K.Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor
Present historic used in English
This question relates to:Spanish lesson "Using the present in Spanish to narrate past events"
Asked 5 years ago
![](/files/shared/_avatar-mids/user/59078/20211201_172643_61a7b33952c58.jpg)
InmaKwiziq team member
Hi Alan
Yes, we also use it when telling jokes actually, exactly the same way, for example: "...y va el tío y le dice..." (...and the bloke goes and says...)
Inma
Don't have an account yet? Join today
Ask a question![Kwizbot, a friendly bot](https://cdnes.kwiziq.com/img/kwizbot/kwizbot-v2.svg)
Find your Spanish level for FREE
Test your Spanish to the CEFR standard
Find your Spanish level