Test Yourself

Sentence Shifts

[Harbrace 1b(2), 7e, & 8e] 

Review

See Introduction to Sentence Shifts below 

Introduction

Sentences should be written from a consistent point of view. Avoid needless shifts in tense, person, number, voice, and mood.

Below are examples of such shifts.

Shift in Tense: [Harbrace 7e & 8e] 

He drives his car to school and parked it in the student lot. 

REVISED:
He drives his car to school and parks it in the student lot. 

He drove his car to school and parked it in the student lot. 

Shift in Person: [Harbrace 8e] 

When students catch the flu, you should stay in bed. 

REVISED:
When students catch the flu, they should stay in bed. 

When you catch the flu, you should stay in bed. 

Shift in Number: [Harbrace 8e] 

After one graduates, they should be ready for a career. 

REVISED:
After one graduates, one should be ready for a career. 

After students graduate, they should be ready for careers. 

Shift in Voice: [Harbrace 1b(2)] 

After many fees already had been paid, he decided not to enroll. 

REVISED:
After he already had paid many fees, he decided not to enroll. 

Shift in Mood: [Harbrace 7e] 

First turn the key in the lock, and then you should open the door. 

REVISED:
First turn the key in the lock, and then open the door. 

First you should turn the key in the lock, and then you should open the door. 

Note: Sometimes correcting a shift creates another problem. 

Everyone did their assignment. 

REVISED:
Everyone did his or her assignment. 

This revision is correct, but his or her may seem long and cumbersome. On the other hand, using just his or just her may be sexist or inappropriate.

Here are two other possible revisions that avoid this problem: 

REVISED:
The students did their assignment. (antecedent revised) 

Everyone did the assignment. (pronoun eliminated)