Source: Chris Sampson
A tense shift error is usually a switch to the present tense when the past tense is signaled by time references to the past. Second language writers make this error either because of a lack of knowledge of verb conjugations or because of a tendency to neglect formal accuracy while focusing on meaning.

Rules and Examples

RULE: Check that your verb tenses are consistent with your timeframe. Don't shift from past to present tense verbs in sentences referring to past events.

INCORRECT: Later, the police arrived and bring him to jail.

CORRECT: Later, the police arrived and brought him to jail.

Tense Shift Practice Exercises

Practice finding tense shift errors.

Practice correcting tense shift errors.