Keeping TenseKeeping TenseKeeping TenseKeeping Tense

Verb Tense ConsistencyVerb Tense Consistency

Keeping Tense Consistent in Your

Writing• In writing it is important to keep a consistent

tense. There are three possible ways to write:• Present Tense – where the action is happening

now. Verbs typically end in “ing”• Past Tense – where the reader/writer/speaker is

responding to something that happened in the past. Verbs usually end in “ed”

• Future Tense – where the reader/writer/speaker is predicting future events or outcomes. Verbs usually contain linking verbs such as “is” or “will”

Stick to One Tense in Your Writing

• When writing, the best idea is to stick to one particular tense. This makes understanding less difficult for the reader.

What tense is this?She is walking south on Main Street.How do you know?

What Tense is This?She walked past Star Market and

turned right.

The woman will have to stop and turn after that.

Switching TenseThe only time you should switch

tense is if you write about past events as they happened. Writing about past events are just that - past! It is ok to switch from present tense to past tense if that is where the action is.

Opening Sentence Determines Tense

• When writing, the opening sentence typically starts the tense of the entire paper. Exceptions are made when the writer needs to refer to past events to clarify understanding in a current paper.

Which Tense is Each Sentence?

(1) Tom Hanks is a superb actor with many awards and nominations. (2)When in high school, Tom had hoped to become a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. (3)Today, he is one of the most popular actors in Hollywood. (Made up story!)