A shift is a syntactical change—that is, a change in wording that allows a writer to portray various points of view or points in time. However, unnecessary shifts can lead to reader confusion.

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Verb tenses should remain consistent throughout a piece of writing unless the time changes.

Inconsistent Some people never really settle into a profession; these people only took jobs when they needed food or shelter.

Consistent Some people never really settle into a profession; these people only take jobs when they need food and shelter.

If the time described in a passage of writing changes, the verb tense must also change with it. Even though there are several tense shifts in the example below, they clearly and succinctly delineate each time change.

I don’t like my science class this year. I am having a hard time keeping up with the lessons. Last year, I did much better. I scored A’s on all my tests, and all the work was easy to complete. I don’t know why I’m struggling this year. I will ask my teacher for help. She is always available and willing to work with a struggling student.

When writing about literature, use the present tense to describe action happening within the book. However, you may use any applicable tense when discussing the work itself.

In Gone with the Wind, Scarlett is so obsessed with Ashley Wilkes that she cannot see how much he actually loves Melanie.

Margaret Mitchell first published Gone with the Wind in 1936.

Verb voice should remain consistent in writing. If you are using the active voice, do not switch to the passive voice, or vice versa.

Inconsistent My grandmother was a wise woman, but her wisdom was ignored by most of the family.

Consistent My grandmother was a wise woman, but most of the family ignored her wisdom.

Person refers to the relationship between a sentence subject and its verb. It indicates whether the subject is speaking about itself (first person I or we), being spoken to (second person you), or being spoken about (third person he, she, it).

The first person (I, we) helps establish a personal, informal relationship with readers. Novelists and short-story authors use first person when they want their readers to identify and empathize with the narrator. Second person (you) creates an immediacy that places a reader within the narrative and makes the reader feel like an active participant in the story. Third person (he, she, it) allows a writer to portray multiple points of view.

Person should remain consistent and appropriate to the content and the writer’s purpose throughout a passage of writing.

Inconsistent If you eat sensibly and watch your caloric intake, most people should be able to maintain their desired weight. (This also represents a shift in number, from a single person to more than one person.)

Consistent If you eat sensibly and watch your caloric intake, you should be able to maintain your desired weight.

A verb’s mood indicates the writer’s attitude toward what he or she is saying, and it should remain consistent. Most mood shifts are from indicative to imperative.

Inconsistent Bend your knees and you should keep your eyes on the ball. [The mood shifts from the indicative to the imperative]

Consistent Bend your knees and keep your eye on the ball. [This sentence is entirely in the imperative]