Exploring Verb Tense Shifts in Writing

The video tutorial explains verb tense shifts, which occur when switching between past, present, and future tenses in writing. It provides examples to identify and correct these shifts, distinguishing between logical shifts and errors. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of consistent verb tense usage to avoid confusion.

What is a verb tense shift?

• A switch between active and passive voice.

• A change in the object of a sentence.

• A switch between past, present, and future tense in writing.

• A change in the subject of a sentence.

How can you identify a verb tense shift?

• By examining the verbs.

• By looking at the adjectives.

• By counting the words.

• By checking the punctuation.

In the sentence 'When I opened the door, Laurie just stands there in the pouring rain,' which verbs indicate a tense shift?

• stands and rain

• opened and Laurie

• door and stands

• opened and stands

Why is the sentence 'Laurie argues with her boyfriend all the time, so I was not surprised to find her on my doorstep in the rain' considered a logical time shift?

• Because 'argues' and 'was' are both in the future tense.

• Because 'argues' and 'was' are both in the present tense.

• Because 'argues' and 'was' are both in the past tense.

• Because the shift from 'argues' to 'was' makes sense in the context.

How should the sentence 'When I open the door yesterday, Laurie stands there' be corrected?

• When I opened the door yesterday, Laurie stood there.

• When I open the door yesterday, Laurie stood there.

• When I open the door yesterday, Laurie stand there.

• When I opened the door yesterday, Laurie stands there.

In the sentence 'While he stands at the cracks of Doom, he considered drops the Ring,' which verb is incorrectly used?

• stands

• considered

• drops

• he

What is the correct present tense form of the sentence 'While he stands at the cracks of Doom, he considered drops the Ring'?

• While he stands at the cracks of Doom, he consider dropping the Ring.

• While he stands at the cracks of Doom, he considered dropping the Ring.

• While he stands at the cracks of Doom, he considers dropping the Ring.

• While he stood at the cracks of Doom, he considers dropping the Ring.

What is the correct past tense form of the sentence 'While he stands at the cracks of Doom, he considered drops the Ring'?

• While he stands at the cracks of Doom, he considered dropping the Ring.

• While he stood at the cracks of Doom, he consider dropping the Ring.

• While he stood at the cracks of Doom, he considers dropping the Ring.

• While he stood at the cracks of Doom, he considered dropping the Ring.

Which of the following is a logical verb shift?

• He eats breakfast and then he will go to work.

• She was running and now she is tired.

• They will arrive tomorrow and they are excited.

• I am reading a book and I will finish it yesterday.

What should you watch out for when dealing with verb shifts?

• Shifts that make the sentence too long.

• Shifts that change the subject.

• Shifts that cause confusion.

• Shifts that use too many verbs.