There is a misconception that all verbs in a paragraph should be in the same tense. The choice of the appropriate verb tense depends on context and meaning.
Study the following passage that demonstrates logical shifts in verb tense:
Yesterday Iwent[simple past]to Admissions and Records to pay my fees; today Iam going[present progressive]to the University Transportation Office to pick up my free bus pass; tomorrow Iwill go[simple future]to the bookstore to buy my texts and to the health center to get my flu shot. I usually onlydo[simple present]one or two errands per week, but Ihave discovered[past perfect]that I alwayshave[simple present]too much to do at the beginning of the semester.
Incorrect Tense Shifts
The Chemistry Dept. has just changed the prerequisites for Chem 200. Now instead of taking it after Chem 101, students must also have completed Chem 102 before theyhave enrolled. In addition, students must have declared a Chemistry major and concentration before theyhavebeen allowedto take Chem 200. This has been problematic for many students because the office often has taken up to six months to process students' declaration of major.
Correct Tense Shifts
The Chemistry Dept. has just changed the prerequisites for Chem 200. Now instead of taking it after Chem 101, students must also have completed Chem 102 before theyenroll. In addition, students must have declared a Chemistry major and concentration before theywill be allowedto take Chem 200. This has been problematic for many students because the office often has taken up to six months to process students' declaration of major.
Practice
Correct the following:
The Office of International Studies has just started a Partner Program that pairs American students with international students who will only have been in the United States for a short time. Both students and professors are happy with this program. The students are happy because the program has proven to be a great way to have met new friends and learned about other cultures. The professors are happy because they have been able to assign their students to discuss certain topics with an international partner to gain a broader perspective and a better understanding of the curriculum.
References
Examples are adapted from:
Bruce, S., & Rafoth, B. A. (2009).ESL Writers: A guide for writing center tutors. Portsmouth, NH: Boynton/Cook.
