Shifts
Writing should be consistent in tense, voice, mood, person, and number.
Shifts in Tense
She makes a bold proclamation and then rushed down the stairs.
The teacher told the students they would not pass the course unless they complete all of
their assignments.
Shifts in Voice
She wrote the introduction after the first chapter had been finished.
In the morning we painted the bedroom, and in the afternoon the curtains were hung.
After you complete the application, the form should be given to the personnel office.
Shifts in Mood
Read the chapter carefully, and then you should answer the questions at the end of the
chapter.
It is important that she read the information and writes notes to review later.
Shifts in Person
I bought my furniture from that store because you pay no interest for one year.
When one begins college, you experience many new situations.
We sat through the beginning of the lecture, and you could tell the speaker was not
prepared.
Shifts in Number
If a student does not have good study habits, they will have a difficult time in college.
Each person should be on time, or they will miss their appointment.
Practice in Sentence Shifts
Correct the inappropriate shift if needed in each of the sentences below. Some of the sentences
are correct. Write correct if the sentence has no inappropriate shifts.
you
1. When
one
must miss class, you should find out what material was covered.
she arranged
2. Since she knew the course would be difficult, a tutor
was arranged by her.
you
3. Everywhere you look,
I
see preparations for the holiday season.
4. My friend asked me to come for dinner and
also wants me
to bring my video tape.
5. Everyone was asked to bring his or her favorite dish to the pot luck dinner.
correct
dashed
6. I was driving last night when
I see
an animal
dash
out in front of my car.
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they
7. When students apply to colleges, it is important that
he or she
investigate each school
thoroughly.
8. Go to the store after work, and then
you should
come straight home.
did not find
9. They arrived at the address, but the owners
were not found.
him or herself.
10. Everyone who was at the party seemed to enjoy
themselves.
you
11. If
one
arrive
s
late, you will miss the best part of the performance.
the secretary paged
12. As soon as the meeting began, the manager
was paged by the secretary.
fail
13. Most students pass that professor's class, but a few always
failed
the course.
14. Begin your assignment well in advance, and
you should
always proofread your paper
carefully.
her
15. Jane and Sarah each made
their
own dress.
we posted them to the internet.
16. After we developed the photographs,
they were posted on the internet by us.
17. The skater glided across the ice
,
and
was applauded by
the crowd
applauded.
ed
18. The cat devoured the entire can of tuna, and then look
s
up in triumph.
gave
19. After we completed the training, the instructor
gives
us certificates.
was
20. When the big moment arrived, he
is
more nervous than he expected.
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