Verb Tense Agreement Purdue Owl
Verb Tense Agreement: A Guide for Writers and Editors
As a copy editor, you know how important it is to ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and grammatically correct. One common mistake that writers and editors make is not using the correct verb tense. This can lead to confusion and make it difficult for readers to understand what the writer is trying to convey. The Purdue Owl offers some great tips on how to use verb tense agreement correctly in your writing.
Firstly, it`s important to understand what verb tense agreement means. Verbs come in different tenses, including past, present, and future. When writing, it`s important to ensure that the verb tense matches the time frame of the action being described. For example, if you are writing about an event that happened yesterday, you would use the past tense of the verb. If you are writing about something that is currently happening, you would use the present tense of the verb.
One common mistake that writers and editors make is shifting between verb tenses in a single sentence or paragraph. This can be confusing for the reader and make it difficult to follow the narrative. The Purdue Owl recommends that you choose a single tense and stick to it throughout your writing. If you need to switch tense, make sure there is a clear reason for doing so, such as a change in time frame.
Another common mistake is using the wrong tense for irregular verbs. Irregular verbs don`t follow the typical rules of verb conjugation, and their past and past participle forms often look different from their infinitive forms. For example, the past tense of “go” is “went,” not “goed.” It`s important to ensure that you are using the correct form of the verb for each tense.
Finally, it`s important to consider the context of your writing when choosing a verb tense. If you are writing a history paper, for example, you would use the past tense to describe events that have already happened. If you are writing a news article, you would use the present tense to describe events that are currently happening. Consider the tone and purpose of your writing when choosing a verb tense.
In conclusion, verb tense agreement is an important aspect of writing that can greatly affect the clarity and coherence of your work. By choosing the correct tense and sticking to it throughout your writing, you can ensure that your message is clear and easy to understand. As a copy editor, it`s important to be familiar with the rules of verb tense agreement and to help writers make any necessary corrections to their work. With a little attention to detail, you can produce writing that is grammatically correct and easy to read.
