1. Identify incorrect shifts in verb tense
AHSGE Objective I-5
Identify incorrect shifts in verb tense
Julie Mullins-Turner

2. Shifts in Verbs
In most cases, use the same verb tense within a sentence to describe events that happen at approximately the same time.
Jim finished his math assignment and
turned on Davy Crockett.
Julie Mullins-Turner

3. Shifts in Verbs
Some situations require you to shift tenses within a sentence. For example, use a progressive form and a simple tense to describe on ongoing action interrupted by a single event.
Jason was watching a documentary about fishing
when he decided to find out more about the sport.
Julie Mullins-Turner

4. Shifts in Verbs
When you are describing an event as a point of reference for another event, shift from a perfect tense to a simple tense.
Allyson had been in line at the box office
for an hour when she bought tickets for
the concert.
Julie Mullins-Turner

5. Shifts in Verbs
Keep verb tenses consistent unless you have a good reason not to. Mixing verb tenses unnecessarily can confuse your readers.
Incorrect: Long ago a strip of land had connected
Alaska with Asia, and Asian peoples are traveling
across the strip to settle in Alaska.
Correct: Long ago a strip of land connected Alaska
with Asia, and Asian peoples traveled across the
strip to settle in Alaska.
Julie Mullins-Turner

6. How will this look
on the AHSGE?
Julie Mullins-Turner

7. Choose the sentence that is written correctly.
A. A new courthouse was built where the old hotel was.
B. Laura had hoped to have seen Mark on her trip to Tallahassee.
C. When Daniel had been walking for a year, his parents bought him a tricycle.
D. By the time John is graduated from high school, Daphne had taught for five years.
Julie Mullins-Turner

8. Choose the sentence that is written correctly.
A. A new courthouse was built where the old hotel was.
B. Laura had hoped to have seen Mark on her trip to Tallahassee.
C. When Daniel had been walking for a year, his parents bought him a tricycle.
D. By the time John is graduated from high school, Daphne had taught for five years.
Julie Mullins-Turner

9. 2.Choose the sentence that contains an error.
A. We hope this will be a good party.
B. We hope everything will turn out well.
C. We hope you will have enjoyed the movie.
D. We hope the program will prove entertaining.
Julie Mullins-Turner

10. 2.Choose the sentence that contains an error.
A. We hope this will be a good party.
B. We hope everything will turn out well.
C. We hope you will have enjoyed the movie.
D. We hope the program will prove entertaining.
Julie Mullins-Turner

11. Read the paragraph. Find the sentence that contains an incorrect shift in tense.
(1)Ellen walked up to the door with her books in her arms and knocked softly. (2)A blue-eyed woman opens the door and asks her what she wants. (3)Ellen told her that she had come over to study with Janice. (4)The woman invited her in and told her that Janice would be back soon.
A. Sentence 1
B. Sentence 2
C. Sentence 3
D. Sentence 4
Julie Mullins-Turner

12. Read the paragraph. Find the sentence that contains an incorrect shift in tense.
(1)Ellen walked up to the door with her books in her arms and knocked softly. (2)A blue-eyed woman opens the door and asks her what she wants. (3)Ellen told her that she had come over to study with Janice. (4)The woman invited her in and told her that Janice would be back soon.
A. Sentence 1
B. Sentence 2
C. Sentence 3
D. Sentence 4
Julie Mullins-Turner

13. Read the paragraph. Find the sentence that contains an inappropriate shift in tense.
(1)Barbie and Dan had received their tickets in the mail. (2) They have called Joan and Alan about the concert. (3)They will meet at the high school parking lot. (4)From there, they will take the bus to the stadium.
A. Sentence 1
B. Sentence 2
C. Sentence 3
D. Sentence 4
Julie Mullins-Turner

14. Read the paragraph. Find the sentence that contains an inappropriate shift in tense.
(1)Barbie and Dan had received their tickets in the mail. (2) They have called Joan and Alan about the concert. (3)They will meet at the high school parking lot. (4)From there, they will take the bus to the stadium.
A. Sentence 1
B. Sentence 2
C. Sentence 3
D. Sentence 4
Julie Mullins-Turner