Consistency in Writing

Consistency in Writing

by Katlyn Lancaster

​Consistent Verb Tense

• ​Verb tense tells you WHEN an action takes place

• ​Three basic tenses in English: past (was), present (is), future (will be)

• ​Verb tense should stay consistent unless there is a logical reason for it to change

  • ​Example: Because I forgot to wear sunscreen, I have sunburn now.

  • ​"forgot" is in past tense and "have" is in present tense, but the action of forgetting took place in the past, so it's okay to change tenses here.

Multiple Choice

Which of these verbs is in PAST tense? 

• had

• has

• having

• will have

Multiple Choice

Which of these verbs is in FUTURE tense? 

• born

• will be born

• was born

• birthing

Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses consistent verb tense? 

• Sam stood up and is dropping his popcorn. 

• Sam stands up and dropped his popcorn. 

• Sam is standing up and dropped his popcorn. 

• Sam stood up and dropped his popcorn. 

Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses consistent verb tense? 

• When Mary walks into a room, everyone stares. 

• When Mary walked into a room, everyone stares. 

• When Mary walks in to a room, everyone is staring. 

• When Mary walks into a room, everyone was staring. 

Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses consistent verb tense? 

• The crowd starts cheering as the winner approached the finish line.

• The crowd started cheering as the winner approached the finish line.

• The crowd is starting to cheer as the winner approached the finish line.

• The crowd started cheering as the winner approaches the finish line.

​Parallel Structure

​Parallel structure means to repeat the same grammatical pattern within a sentence

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​Parallel structure makes your writing flow more easily; it becomes easier and clearer to read.

​Parallel Structure with Words and Phrases

When you use several words or phrases in a list, all of the items in the list should have the same form:

​

• ​Not parallel: Elena likes hiking, the rodeo, and to take afternoon naps.

• ​Parallel: Elena likes hiking, attending the rodeo, and taking afternoon naps. OR Elena likes to hike, attend the rodeo, and take afternoon naps.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses parallel structure? 

• She doesn't like to wash the dishes, cleaning the bathroom, or do laundry. 

• She doesn't like washing the dishes, cleaning the bathroom, or to do laundry. 

• She doesn't like washing the dishes, cleaning the bathroom, or doing laundry. 

• She doesn't like to wash the dishes, clean the bathroom, or doing laundry. 

Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses parallel structure? 

• Every morning, we make our bed, eat breakfast, and will feed the dog.

• Every morning, we make our bed, eat breakfast, and feed the dog.

• Every morning, we are making our bed, eating breakfast, and feed the dog.

​Parallel Structure with Comparatives and Correlatives

When two items are being compared or combined with a correlative conjunction, they should be in the same form:

​

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Parallel: I like swimming better than diving.

​Not Parallel: I like swimming better than to dive.

​

​Parallel: Clara not only wants money but also fame.

​Not Parallel: Clara not only wants money but also to be famous.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses parallel structure? 

• I like math class better than learning science. 

• I like math class better than science class. 

• I like learning math better than science class. 

Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses parallel structure? 

• Neither the movies nor playing her favorite game made her feel better.

• Neither watching movies nor playing her favorite game made her feel better.

• Neither watching movies nor her favorite game made her feel better.

​Parallel Structure with Clauses

If multiple clauses are included in a list, they should follow the same structure:

​

​Parallel: The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, that they should not eat too much, and that they should do some warm-up exercises before the game. OR The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, not eat too much, and do some warm-up exercises before the game.

​Not parallel: The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, that they should not eat too much, and to do some warm-up exercises before the game.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses parallel structure? 

• We wrote letters; we have already protested; we voiced our opinions. 

• We tried writing letters; we have already protested; we have voiced our opinions. 

• We have written letters; we have protested; we have voiced our opinions. 

Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses parallel structure? 

• Monica brewed espresso, steamed milk, and told jokes as she prepared Mike’s latte.

• Monica is brewing espresso, steaming milk, and told jokes as she prepares Mike’s latte.

• Monica brews espresso, steams milk, and tells jokes as she prepared Mike’s latte.

Multiple Select

Which sentences use parallel structure? (more than one this time)

• Either I like the job or I don't like it.

• Either I like the job or I don't. 

• Either I like the job or not. 

Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses parallel structure? 

• The teacher told them that they need to study and they should practice their words every night.

• The teacher told them to study and that they should practice their words every night.

• The teacher told them that they need to study and that they should practice their words every night.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses parallel structure? 

• Mary wanted to make sure that she made her presentation creatively, effectively and persuasively.

• Mary wanted to make sure that she made her presentation creatively, effectively and persuasive to others.

• Mary wanted to make sure that she made her presentation creative, effective and persuaded others.