Teacher Discussion Forums

Hello,
I'm not sure if I should use the word "was" or "is" in the following sentence. Or is the sentence grammatically correct both ways?
As a child, I almost burned down the house playing with matches. What I learned “was / is” don’t play with matches.
On the one hand, I think I should use the word “was” because I'm talking about something I learned in the past. On the other hand, I think I should use the word "is" because what I learned still affects me today.

Hello,
I'm not sure if I should use the word "was" or "is" in the following sentence. Or is the sentence grammatically correct both ways?
As a child, I almost burned down the house playing with matches. What I learned “was / is” don’t play with matches.
On the one hand, I think I should use the word “was” because I'm talking about something I learned in the past. On the other hand, I think I should use the word "is" because what I learned still affects me today.

As a child, I almost burned down the house playing with matches. What I learned was/is 'don't play with matches.'

As a child, I almost burned down the house playing with matches. What I learned was/is not to play with matches.

Now, as you said, the choice between was or is will depend on what you really mean and/or is more relevant at the time of speaking. Are you thinking of the moment you learnt it or is it more important to talk about that this fact taught you something that holds true to your life?

see you
José