Use verb tenses correctly and consistently.
To tell the story of a work of literature or a historical sequence, most writers use the "historical present"; they discuss the events as if they were happening in the present.
1. At the end of the movie Love Story, Jennifer dies a tragic death.
[Historical present correctly used. It is permissible to use either the historical present or the simple past tense in such cases, but whichever one you use, use it consistently.]
Frequently, however, errors of tense are due to standards that vary across disciplines. Check with your professors to find out what tenses their departments prefer.
For more information , see Verb Tense.
WRITING Conference Hours: |
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| Mon. - Thurs. | 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. |
| Fri. | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. |
| Sun. | noon - 10 p.m. |
Computer lab hours: |
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| Mon. - Thurs. | 8:30 a.m. - 12 a.m. |
| Fri. | 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
| Sun. | 11 a.m. - 12 a.m. |
Call 315-859-4363 or stop by the Writing Center (K-J 152).
