Tense Consistency: Keep Your Writing Smooth
Don't Confuse Readers with Random Shifts
Quick Answer
Tense consistency = keeping verb tenses the same within a sentence or passage.
Bad: "She walked to the store and buys milk." Good: "She walked and bought milk."
The Basic Rule
Keep verb tenses consistent unless there's a reason to shift.
- She walked and bought milk. ✓ (both past)
- I wake up and eat breakfast. ✓ (all present)
- He will arrive and will stay. ✓ (both future)
- NOT: She walked and buys milk. ✗
When Shifts Are Okay
Shift tenses when referring to different time periods:
- "I was tired, but I feel better now." ✓
- "She said she will come tomorrow." ✓
- Universal truths: "He learned water boils at 100°C." ✓
Comparison Chart
| Incorrect ✗ | Correct ✓ |
|---|---|
| She walks and called. | She walked and called. |
| I study and passed. | I studied and passed. |
| He says he went tomorrow. | He says he will go tomorrow. |
Common Mistakes
❌
"Yesterday, I go to the park."
✓
"Yesterday, I went to the park."
❌
"Every day, I wake up and went."
✓
"Every day, I wake up and go."
Quick Tips
💡 Check Each Sentence
Verify verbs match in tense unless shifting is intentional.
✅ Time Markers
"Yesterday," "now," "tomorrow" signal which tense to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Past or present tense?
Both valid! Choose one and stay consistent throughout.
What about dialogue?
Characters can speak in any tense naturally.
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