Verb Tense Consistency Exercise 2

Grammar review Verb tense consistency — shifts between sentences

Consistency across sentences, not just within them:
Tense inconsistency can happen across two or more sentences, not just within a single one. If you establish a time frame and then switch without reason, the writing becomes confusing.
She walks into the office and greets everyone. Then she sat down at her desk. (present → past — inconsistent)
She walks into the office and greets everyone. Then she sits down at her desk. (consistent)

Present tense narrative (historical present):
Writers sometimes use the present tense to narrate past events for dramatic effect. This is correct — as long as it is used consistently throughout the passage.
He opens the door and looks outside. (present narrative — correct)
He opens the door and looked outside. (inconsistent)

Imperative mood — naturally tense-neutral:
A list of imperative verbs is always consistent because imperatives don’t carry tense. Any list of commands using the base form is grammatically fine.
Lock the door, turn off the lights, and set the alarm. (correct)

Present perfect clashing with a past context:
Once you establish a simple past time frame, switching to present perfect creates an inconsistency, because present perfect implies a connection to the present.
He left early and said goodbye to everyone. (consistent — both simple past)
He left early and has said goodbye to everyone. (inconsistent — past + present perfect)