Inappropriate Shifts in Tense and Number

Why is it important to maintain consistent verb tense in writing?

• Inconsistent verb tense helps readers understand the text better

• It is important to maintain consistent verb tense in writing to ensure clarity, coherence, and readability of the text.

• Using different verb tenses adds excitement to the text

• Maintaining verb tense consistency is irrelevant in writing

What are some common errors that occur when shifting between tenses?

• Spelling mistakes in verbs

• Using the same tense for all events

• Ignoring the context of the sentence

• Inconsistent verb forms, incorrect time references, lack of clarity in the timeline of events

How can you ensure consistency in writing when it comes to verb tense?

• Use a different verb tense in each sentence

• Change verb tenses randomly within paragraphs

• Choose a specific tense and maintain it consistently.

• Mix past, present, and future tenses throughout the writing

Give an example of a sentence with inappropriate shifts in tense and explain how it can be corrected.

• I was walking to the store when I see my friend.

• I walk to the store when I saw my friend.

• I was walking to the store when I saw my friend.

• I walk to the store when I see my friend.

Why is it important to maintain consistency in number (singular/plural) when writing?

• Mixing singular and plural is more interesting

• It doesn't matter

• It is important to maintain consistency in number (singular/plural) when writing.

• Consistency is overrated

What are some examples of errors that can occur when shifting between singular and plural forms?

• Verb-noun agreement

• Preposition-conjunction agreement

• Adjective-adverb agreement

• Subject-verb agreement, pronoun agreement, noun-adjective agreement

How can you ensure consistency in writing when it comes to number?

• Replace numbers with emojis

• Use Roman numerals for all numbers

• Use numerical digits for numbers unless at the beginning of a sentence or in dialogue.

• Write numbers in a different font style

Provide a sentence where there is an inappropriate shift in number and suggest a correction.

• The team is working hard to meet its goals.

• The team is working hard to meet it goals.

• The team is working hard to meet their goal.

• The team are working hard to meet their goals.

Discuss the impact of inappropriate shifts in tense and number on the overall clarity and coherence of a piece of writing.

• Disruption of flow in writing due to tense and number shifts enhances clarity.

• The impact of inappropriate shifts in tense and number on the overall clarity and coherence of a piece of writing is that it can confuse readers and disrupt the flow of the text.

• Inappropriate shifts in tense and number have no impact on the clarity and coherence of a piece of writing.

• Readers enjoy confusion caused by shifts in tense and number in writing.

What strategies can be employed to avoid inappropriate shifts in tense and number in writing?

• Use a thesaurus to find synonyms for verbs and nouns

• Write without outlining the main points

• Ignore subject-verb agreement

• Maintain consistency, proofread for verb forms and subject-verb agreement, create an outline before writing.