A tutorial on how to revise unwarranted shifts in writing to avoid awkward or confusing sentences. For more English tutorials, please visit: https://www.thelecturette.com

1. Unwarranted
How to revise

2. 1
Tense
Acceptable:
Pulp Fiction is a classic film that was made in 1994.

3. Tense
Unwarranted shifts from past to present:
I enrolled in the business course because I wanted
to take over my father’s business. However, after a
few months I start losing interest.
1

4. Tense
Revised:
I enrolled in the business course because I wanted
to take over my father’s business. However, after a
few months I started losing interest.
1

5. Voice
Unwarranted shifts from active to passive voice:
Walter Isaacson wrote a biography of Steve Jobs, and
later a biography of Leonardo da Vinci was written.
2

6. Voice
Revised:
Walter Isaacson wrote a biography of Steve Jobs,
and later wrote a biography of Leonardo da Vinci.
2

7. Voice
Acceptable:
Although the students protested, the legal drinking
age was raised.
2

8. Mood
Mood:
• Indicative: statement or question
• Imperative: command or request
• Subjunctive: wish or hypothetical condition
3

9. Mood
Unwarranted shifts in mood:
Next, place the slide under the microscope, and you
should make sure to refocus the lens.
3

10. Mood
Revised:
Next, place the slide under the microscope, and be
sure to refocus the lens.
3

11. Person
Unwarranted shifts in person:
When someone buys a house, you should compare
mortgage rates.
4

12. Person
Revised:
When you buy a house, you should compare
mortgage rates.
4

13. Number
Unwarranted shifts in number:
If a person does not exercise regularly, they will not
remain physically fit.
5

14. Number
Revised:
If a person does not exercise regularly, he or she
will not remain physically fit.
5

15. Discourse
Direct discourse:
My teacher said, ‘I want you to report to the
principal’s office.’
Indirect discourse:
My teacher said that he wanted me to report to the
principal’s office.
6

16. Discourse
Unwarranted shifts from indirect to direct
discourse:
During the speech, Jake Anderson strongly
emphasised the regulations and said I am in charge.
6

17. Discourse
Revised:
During the speech, Jake Anderson strongly emphasised
the regulations and said he was in charge.
6

18. Discourse
Neither indirect nor direct discourse:
My lawyer asked, was I ever going to pay the fine.
6

19. Discourse
Revised:
My lawyer asked, ‘Are you ever going to pay the fine?’
6

20. For more presentations, visit:
resources for teachers and learners of English