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Attempts Attempt 1 score is2.8Attempt 2 score is
Keep the Highest 3 out of 33 / 3
Attempt3 score is3
2.4
8. Consistent Tense
Consistent tense means to use the same verb tense throughout your writing whenever possible.
Look for time expressions to decide if a verb should be in the past or present tense.
Consistent Tense
Directions: Read the sentences in the following table. Then decide whether each sentence uses
consistent or inconsistent verb tenses. Select the correct answers from the dropdown menus in the
right-hand column.
Examples:
Explanation:
Past Tense Time
Expressions
These time
expressions indicate
past tense:
• Yesterday
•Two years ago
•Last year
•
•
•
Currently
Now
Every day
Sentence
1. The Olympic Games did not occur one year because
they are cancelled in 1940.
2. The Games were cancelled in 1940 because World
War II is being fought.
3. The Olympic symbol consists of five rings that
represent five continents.
Consistent or Inconsistent Verb
Tense?
Error! Filename not
specified.Inconsistent
Error! Filename not
specified.Inconsistent
Error! Filename not
specified.Consistent
We went to the movies, and we had dinner.
He picked the movie, and I chose the restaurant.
In the previous sentences, the verb tense is consistently in the past
tense. For example, in the first sentence, the verbs "went" and "had"
are both in the past tense, while in the second sentence, the verbs
"picked" and "chose" are both in the past tense.
Present Tense Time Expressions
These time expressions indicate present tense:
Correct Sentences
1. The Olympic Games did not occur one
year because they were cancelled in 1940.
2. The Games were cancelled in 1940
because World War II was being fought.
3. The Olympic symbol consists of five rings
that represent five continents.
4. The five continents are Australia, Africa,
America, Asia, and Europe, and the white
background behind the rings represents peace
during the Games.
5. Each Olympics has an opening ceremony
that begins with athletes carrying an Olympic
torch.
6. There are both summer and winter
Olympic Games, but I prefer the winter
Games.
Sentence
4. The five continents are Australia, Africa, America,
Asia, and Europe, and the white background behind the
rings represents peace during the Games.
5. Each Olympics has an opening ceremony that began
with athletes carrying an Olympic torch.
6. There are both summer and winter Olympic Games,
but I preferred the winter Games.
Explanation
The correct answer for sentences 1 and 2 is
"Inconsistent" because both sentences use
inconsistent verb tense. The actions took
place in the past. The sentences should
consistently be in the past tense.
The correct answer for sentences 3 and 4 is
"Consistent" because both sentences use
consistent verb tense. Both of these
sentences are consistently in the present
tense.
The correct answer for sentences 5 and 6 is
"Inconsistent" because both sentences use
inconsistent verb tense. Sentences 5 and 6
should consistently use the present tense.
Consistent or Inconsistent Verb
Tense?
Error! Filename not
specified.Consistent
Error! Filename not
specified.Inconsistent
Error! Filename not
specified.Inconsistent
Points:
1 / 1
Explanation:
Close Explanation
Directions: Your friend Harold saw a job advertisement on his career counselor's wiki. Harold asks you
to review his e-mail to the employer before he sends it. Help Harold succeed by editing his e-mail for
verb tense consistency. Look for time expressions to help you decide if a verb should be in the past or
present tense. Select the correct answer from the dropdown menu for each blank.
March 19, 2016
6 Azalea Place
Chicago, IL 60613
Mr. Kanega
909 Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60613
Dear Mr. Kanega,
I am very interested in your open managerial retail position because I am the right job applicant with
the ideal work experience. IError! Filename not specified.worked part-time at my school's campus
store last year, where IError! Filename not specified.helped the manager order all of the store's
merchandise on a monthly basis. I also carefully and skillfullyError! Filename not specified.organized
the store's displays on my own initiative.
I am currently looking for a part-time position while IError! Filename not specified.continue my
studies. I would like to begin employment in several weeks. IError! Filename not specified.am also
currently on the honor roll at my school.
I look forward to discussing this job opportunity further and explaining how I can contribute to the
success of your organization. I will follow up with you in a week by sending my cover letter and
résumé.
Sincerely,
Harold Sun
Points:
1 / 1
Close Explanation
Explanation:
Correct Sentences
I worked part-time at my school's campus
store last year, where I helped the manager
order all of the store's merchandise on a
monthly basis. I also carefully and
skillfully organized the store's displays on
my own initiative.
I am currently looking for a part-time
position while I continue my studies. I
would like to begin employment in several
weeks. I am also currently on the honor roll
at my school.
Explanation
The time expression last year in the first
paragraph shows that Harold completed all of
the actions in the past. Thus, the past tense of
each verb should be used: "worked,"
"helped," and "organized."
In the second paragraph, the time
expression currently shows that the actions
are happening now. Thus, the present tense of
each verb should be used: "continue" and
"am."
