Shifts in Verb Tenses

Verb tense consistency:​

​​- When all of the verbs in the sentence are happening at the same time, the tense should stay the same.

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- When start writing a sentence, you choose the verb tense. As you continue writing, your verb tense should stay consistent (the same).​

Verb tense shifts:​

​​- When you start writing in one tense (past) and then switch to a different tense (future) you create a shift.

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Example:

​She is a talented athlete, but she had poor sportmanship.

(It starts in present tense but shifts to past tense.)​

Mentor sentence

Mia went to the park. She walked her dog, ate her lunch, and talks to her friend.

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What tense are the underlined verbs in?​

Poll

Now look at the last verb "talks" in the mentor sentence. Are ALL the verbs consistent (the same)?

Mia went to the park. She walked her dog, ate her lunch, and talks to her friend.

• Yes, the are the same.

• No, they are NOT the same.

Multiple Choice

Yesterday Nick threw up during practice because he runs too much.

• No change needed

• change RUNS to WILL RUN

• change RUNS to RAN

• change RUNS to RUNNED

Multiple Choice

Kevin caught the ball and then throws it to the catcher.

• No change needed

• change CAUGHT to WILL CATCH

• change THROWS to WILL THROW

• change THROWS to THREW

Multiple Choice

Sarah missed a week of school, so her grades dropped.

• No change needed

• change MISSED to MISSES

• change MISSED to WILL MISS

• change DROPPED to DROPS

Fill in the Blanks

If the students miss the bus, he should go to the office.

Fill in the Blanks

The musicians felt proud after her concert.

Fill in the Blanks

All students are responsible for writing his own reports.

Fill in the Blanks

The sun came out, so Lana and Eduardo go bike riding.

Fill in the Blanks

The kids got wet feet when they walk in the rain.