Verb-tense consistency! Sounds maddening. And it can be, for students who have no clue what this is. But before we go ahead and rant about the many problems faced by students, I bet you would like to write my essay and know exactly what verb-tense consistency is.
From the name, you must have figured out something like how the verb and the tense need to be consistent. And this would be correct. Sort of!
So, what is verb-tense consistency, after all?
It means that we need to keep the same tense throughout the text
So, where does the verb come in? We choose our tense according to the verb so all a good essay writer needs to do is maintain that tense throughout. I know, it sounds like quite a tough job. But, what else can we do? Rules are rules. Now that we know what it is, we ask ourselves, how do we maintain the verb-tense consistency in an essay?
Tip #1: Use Tenses According to Time Period
This is the most basic rule of all. When I write my paper, I do this: I talk in the past tense when I am talking about events that have already happened. I talk in the present about things that are happening, and I use the future tense for things that have not happened yet.
Sometimes, it is as simple as that. No need to overthink.
Tip #2: Talking About Previously Published Work
So, if we follow the above-mentioned rule, then what?
How do we talk about a work that has already been published? Look at the verb, “published”. It’s done. It’s over. It’s in the past. Hence, we must use the past tense. Similarly, if you say, “I contacted an essay writing service to get help!” Again, “contacted”. It’s in the past, so you will continue on with the past tense.
Easy, peasy.
Tip #3: Discussing Ongoing Research
Now that we have discussed past events, we need to discuss the ones that are ongoing. This gets a bit weird because some part of the event could have taken place already while some portion may have to take place in the essay writer online. But, as far as an ongoing event is concerned, you will use the present tense. Hence, you can say that “research is being carried out on the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine”.
Tip #4: Things that Will Happen in some time
This obviously means the future. How?
If you want to talk about something that will happen in the future but has not happened yet, then of course the use of future tense is advisable. Let’s say that you are writing a proposal for a project; obviously, you have only done the formative research on it and have not started the actual work but you will do that work in the future. So, use the past tense for the already done research and the future tense for the potential project.
Tip #5: Do Not Mix Up
Ok, so I have told you to use two different tenses here but this does not mean that you can use them in the same sentence. No way. Verb-tense consistency means that you need to use the same tense in the same sentence. So, you need to talk about the research in a separate sentence and the project in another sentence.
Mix-matching can create a mess.
Tip #6: Be Careful About Shift In Tense
Unless you are Dr. Who, you can’t time travel.
This means that you can’t move from the past to write essay for me and present to the future with the snap of your finger, so keep that in mind while you write your sentences. Note that you can’t shift the tense in a sentence if the time frame of the actions you are describing is the same, i.e., while both actions are happening at the same time.
Tip #7: Control the Shift
Let's say you do have to shift tenses, then what? We have a trick for this as well. If you have to inevitably shift the tenses, then you need to ensure that you establish a primary tense and then shift occasionally. Like while telling a story, the author writes in present tense but shifts to past tense for flashbacks. You can also do this but only occasionally.
Tip #8: In Paragraphs
It is far easier to shift tenses in paragraphs and essays than it is in a single sentence. This is because in order to make such shifts in a sentence, you will have to write a pretty complex sentence. Best not. You can use paragraphs if you want to shift from one tense to the other. Therefore, in your research proposal, you can mention that you have already done research on the subject but data is yet to be collected.
Tip #9: Know About Perfect Tenses
Past Perfect, Present Perfect, and Future Perfect. Having the knowledge of these tenses can really help you write your sentences. For example, you use past perfect when you are talking about a past event and combining it with an event that occurred even beforehand. Present perfect is for any event that has already begun but not been completed yet. Future perfect combines the past with the future, where an action has not been completed in its entirety.
So, now you know how to maintain verb-tense consistency. But if you are having doubts then get in touch with any essay writer. Those masters will teach you all that you need to know about the English language and its tenses.
Useful Resources:
Can I Get Any Type of Paper Using Your Essay Writing Service?
Can I Get Caught Using a Paper Writing Service?
Can I Get Caught Using an Essay Writing Service Online?