1. SeverinR

    SeverinR New Member

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    Tense questioned

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by SeverinR, Jan 24, 2012.

    I was told this is written incorrectly in mixed present and past tense.

    first sentence happens now, the next the person said is past tense.

    I kind of agree that this might be better; "Fires are too small" and "She is not ready"

    This is a short story, and I know I am telling here, it is establishing the setting quickly. (a dragon mother's frantic nesting)
     
  2. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

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    The criticism is correct. Correcting it to consistently narrate in past tense:

    I would not recommend correcting everything to present tense instead.
     
  3. SeverinR

    SeverinR New Member

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    Thanks, I went through and corrected it, tried in present and past, I agree past tense seemed to sound better.
     
  4. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

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    cog is correct... as usual...
     
  5. digitig

    digitig Contributor Contributor

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    Agreed. It is possible to mix tenses, but it's an advanced technique and needs careful handling. That passage just seemed to jump around.
     

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