What Did You Learn?
What is unnecessary shift in verb tense?
An unnecessary shift in verb tense refers to the change from one verb tense to another in the same sentence or paragraph. For example, starting the sentence with past tense and switching to the present.
Which sentence is correct, and explain why the other is incorrect.
Sentence 1: First, you mix the ingredients and added the sugar.
Sentence 2: First, you mix the ingredients and add the sugar.
Sentence 2 is correct because it maintains the consistency of the present tense without unnecessary shifts in tense.
She catched the basketball and throws it to the basketball net.
She caught the basketball and threw it to the basketball net.
When would you change tenses?
If you want to show a clear change in time.
Which sentence is correct, and explain why the other is incorrect.
Sentence 1: She was preparing for the exam when she finds out about the unexpected test.
Sentence 2: She was preparing for the exam when she found out about the unexpected test.
Sentence 2 is correct because it maintains the consistency of the past tense without unnecessary shifts in tense.
Sarah completed her assignment, takes the bus and went to the market.
Sarah completed her assignment, took the bus and went to the market.
Why would you avoid unnecessary shifts? Provide an example.
It confuses readers and disrupts the flow of writing.
Examples may vary.
Which sentence is correct, and explain why the other is incorrect.
Sentence 1: She entered the room, looked around, and noticed the broken vase on the floor.
Sentence 2: She entered the room, looked around, and notices the broken vase on the floor.
Sentence 1 is correct because it maintains the consistency of the past tense without unnecessary shifts in tense.
In 1945, the war ended, and soldiers returned home to their families. Many of them struggled to adapt to civilian life because they are used to the structure of military service.
In 1945, the war ended, and soldiers returned home to their families. Many of them struggled to adapt to civilian life because they were used to the structure of military service.