Tense Consistency: Your Guide for SAT, ACT, & EST Success

Abstract

This article provides insights into the importance of maintaining consistency in verb tense, a crucial element in written and spoken English. As many students prepare for standardized exams like the SAT, ACT, and EST, mastering tense consistency can significantly improve their linguistic accuracy and comprehension.

Introduction

Understanding and maintaining tense consistency is not just essential for day-to-day communication but is also a key element tested in standardized exams. When tenses are mixed without reason, it can confuse the reader and convey an unintended meaning.

Events in the Same Time Period

The foundation of maintaining tense consistency lies in ensuring that events happening within the same time frame are described using the same tense.

Example 1: Past Tense

• Correct: When we went (past tense) to the movies, we bought (past tense) popcorn.
• Incorrect: When we went to the movies, we buy popcorn.

In the correct example, both events—going to the movies and buying popcorn—occurred in the past, so the past tense is consistently used.

Example 2: Present Tense

• Correct: When we go (present tense) to the movies, we buy (present tense) popcorn.
• Incorrect: When we go to the movies, we bought popcorn.

Here, both actions are habitual or general truths about the present, so the present tense is apt.

Events in Different Time Periods

When describing events that span different time periods, it's appropriate to shift tenses. This helps to clearly depict the sequence or change in events.

Example: 

• Lisa plays (present tense) basketball now, but last year she was (past tense) on the volleyball team.

The shift from present tense "plays" to the past tense "was" differentiates Lisa's current sport from her past sport.

Real EST Example Questions

“Every city need an engineer who loves what he does.” The verbs in this sentence “loves” and “does” are in the present simple. To achieve consistency, the verb “need” should be in the present simple; therefore, choice B is correct. It is the present simple in the third person singular that agrees with its subject “city.” Choices A, C, and D are incorrect.

Worksheet for Practice

Read the paragraph and decide whether to rewrite it in the present or past tense. Then, change verb forms to make the tenses consistent. 

            

        (1) Lightning struck our house, and I run straight for cover. (2) “Oh, no!” I exclaim. (3) The electricity was out! (4) My parents get out the flashlights, and we played a game. (5) The stove and microwave are not working, so we have a cold supper in the living room. (6) In the morning, we are all happy. (7) The sun shone and our electricity is back on.

Tips for Test Takers

1. Review the Sentence: After writing or choosing an answer, read it back to yourself, checking if the tenses logically flow.
2. Context Matters: Always consider the overall context of the passage or question. A sudden shift in tense might be warranted if there's a change in the time frame being described.
3. Practice: Regularly practicing tense consistency exercises can help in identifying and rectifying tense shifts quickly.

Conclusion

Consistency in tense usage is a foundational aspect of clear and accurate communication. For students aiming to excel in standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, and EST, understanding and maintaining this consistency is vital. A well-structured sentence that adheres to tense rules not only conveys information accurately but also enhances the overall quality of writing.

References

• SAT, ACT, and EST Testing Manuals and Guidelines.
• Grammar and Writing Handbooks.

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