What is a verb and pronoun shift?

Answer 1

A verb shift is when the verb tense does not remain consistent throughout a sentence or a paragraph. Unless you have a specific reason for shifting, verbs should always be in the same time frame, for example:

Incorrect: When Jack and Jill went to the beach and they bring lunch. (Shift from past to present)

Correct: Jack and Jill went to the beach and they brought lunch. (Both in present)

A pronoun shift is when the number (singular, plural), gender (male, female, neuter), or person (first, second, third person) does not remain consistent throughout a sentence or a paragraph. In order to avoid confusion, number, gender, and case should be the same while you are still referring to the same people or things, for example:

Incorrect: When I was in high school, you were required to take two language courses. (Shift from first person to second person)

Correct: When I was in high school, I was required to take two language courses. (Both in first person)

A verb pronoun shift is when the pronoun number and the verb do not agree. A singular pronoun and a verb for a plural or visa versa, for example:

Incorrect: They is going to the beach today.

Correct: They are going to the beach today.

Answer 2

A verb shift occurs when the verb tense changes within a sentence. A pronoun shift happens when the pronoun used in a sentence does not match the one previously used, leading to inconsistency in the sentence. Both shifts can cause confusion in writing and should be avoided for clarity.