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Monday, April 18, 2011

Grammar

Remember that if you're writing in the present tense, don't shift to the past tense (or vice versa) unless you have a good reason to do so. For instance, in the sentences below there is no reason to switch from the present tense. This is especially true when writing papers about literature: wherever possible, stay in the present tense.
Confusion
Problem
In Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye, the narratoris one of the few truly successful characters in terms of moral development. However, she wasalso seriously flawed in some ways.
Repair Work
Repairs
In Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye, the narratoris one of the few truly successful characters in terms of moral development. However, she isalso seriously flawed in some ways.
Confusion
Problem
She intended to play for the team during the upcoming season, but then she blows out her knee. [Shifting to the present tense this way would be common in casual speech; it will not do, however, in writing.]
Repair Work
Repairs
She intended to play for the team during the upcoming season, but then she blew out her kneehttp://www.americanenglishconversation.com
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