Chapter 10 Past Tense

Important Points
 Past Tense Verbs
Most verbs are changed
to past tense by
adding ed to the
end.
Most of the time, this is not a
troublesome issues in your
writing, but there are a few
things to consider when
writing that relate to verb
tense.
 1) Irregular Verbs
Some verbs have irregular forms when
changed to past. For example, think
becomes thought, sell becomes sold, etc.

Most of these verbs are easy. We use them

every day; however, please review the
table in the chapter, and make sure that
you are familiar with all of the verbs and
past tense forms. Dont try to memorize!
 2) Verb Tense Consistency
When writing, make We do this when speaking all
the time. For example, This
sure to be consistent weekend, I went to San Diego.
with verb tense. When I got to the beach, I
see my friend from Yuma.
Dont start writing in
present and then
switch to past.

Notice how I started in past

and changed to present. This
is an error and should be
avoided.
 3) The Verb TO BE

To Be is the most common verb in English.

Its forms are am, are and is in the present
and was and were in the past.

Be aware of the past tense forms of BE and

make sure that your subjects and verbs
agree.