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Introduction to Exercise 5 - Using verb tenses to discuss problems and solutions (e.g., ACT essays) |
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When you write the ACT essay or other essays that discuss proposals for current problems or situations, you need to use different verb tenses in different parts of your argument. |
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To describe the current problem or situation, use the simple present, not the simple past.
- Incorrect: Because our city does not have a park, when children wanted to have fun, they played on the street.
- Corrected: Because our city does not have a park, when children want to have fun, they play on the street.
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To describe examples that occurred in a specific period in the past, use the simple past; if you have not mentioned a specific period, use the present perfect.
- Example: (specific period) Last year, three children were in car accidents and had to go to the hospital.
- Example: (specific period not mentioned) Several children have been hit by speeding cars.
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To describe the proposal being put into action, use the simple present in the part of the sentence starting with if, when, after, and other subordinating conjunctions that introduce time clauses.
- Example: If / When / After the proposal to create a park is implemented, parents will have less fear about their children being hit by a car. When the children play in the park, they will be much safer.
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To describe the effects of the proposal (what will happen if it is chosen), use the future tense in independent clauses.
- Example: When the children play in the park, they will be much safer. They will have the opportunity to play soccer on the fields instead of the street.
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 Download Grammar Explanation (PDF) |
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The following passages contain mistakes in the use of verbs tenses. If you click on the verb or verb phrase that contains the mistake, two choices will appear on the side. Click on the correct choice to insert it in the passage. If you click on the wrong choice, the Answer box at the bottom of the choices will tell you to try again. |
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