Page 94 - Perfect English Grammar: The Indispensable Guide to Excellent Writing and Speaking

understand for most readers. Plus, Joyce had a very good editor, which most of
us do not have.

Our brains process the written word and the spoken word in very different
ways, and the spoken word is far easier to understand when it is a mess than the

written word is.
So, to be on the safe side, if the action all happens at the same time and place

with the same people, stick to consistent verb tenses and verb persons.

There are appropriate writing situations in which to change tense, such as
when reporting on something that has happened, predicting something that will

happen, discussing possibilities, or when dialog and narration are written
together.

■ As I remember it, we fought past their defensive line and dropped the
ball at the four-yard line, but I’m not sure if we scored a touchdown.

■ I guess we would never have forgotten the luggage if it hadn’t been
raining.

6.16.1 CHOOSING YOUR TENSE

Deciding what tense to write in can be difficult. You may read academic writing
written in the present, past, and historical present tenses, or a mix of all three.

It is said that books, paintings, films, and other creative works exist in an

eternal present, and should therefore be described in the present tense. But, of
course, it’s more complex than that.

For most nonfiction or academic writing, use the present tense to relay facts

and the past tense to relay actions.

■ The dingo is a wild dog. It was first brought to Australia more than
3,000 years ago.

In fiction, you are free to use whatever tense you prefer, but be aware that the
past tense is far more customary and less likely to distract readers from your

writing.