03/25/2008
Tense ShiftsFrom Carla Winters, an English and speech teacher at Cobden Unit District #17 in Cobden, Illinois:
"I have tried to get my students to stop using tense shifts for years. I finally found a way: remove 'ing' verbs. This suggestion forces students to write either in present or past tense. Most scientific journals follow these rules and limit 'ing' verbs. It has worked with my freshmen and sophomores, and we have now implemented this rule across the curriculum. Try it, and be surprised!"
Comment on This Tip
More Parts of Speech Tips