Verb tense agreement is an important aspect of language that can often be overlooked, particularly by Year 6 students who are still learning about the intricacies of grammar. In this article, we will explore the importance of verb tense agreement and provide some tips and examples to help Year 6 students master this aspect of language.
What is verb tense agreement?
Verb tense agreement refers to the way in which the tense of a verb is matched to the time period that is being referred to in a sentence. For example, if we are talking about an event that happened in the past, we would use a past tense verb. Similarly, if we are talking about something that is happening right now, we would use a present tense verb. Ensuring that the verb tense is correct helps to avoid confusion and ensures that the meaning of the sentence is clear.
Why is verb tense agreement important?
Verb tense agreement is important because it helps to convey meaning in a clear and concise way. If the verb tense is incorrect, it can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. It is particularly important in writing, where the reader may not have the benefit of hearing the speaker’s tone of voice or seeing their body language to help understand the meaning of the sentence.
Tips for mastering verb tense agreement
1. Understand the different tenses: Make sure you are familiar with the different verb tenses (past, present and future) and the different forms they can take (simple, continuous, perfect and perfect continuous).
2. Identify the time period: When writing a sentence, think about the time period you are referring to. Is it something that has already happened? Is it happening now? Will it happen in the future?
3. Use the correct form of the verb: Once you have identified the time period, use the correct form of the verb to match the tense. For example, if the event happened yesterday, use a past tense verb.
Examples
Incorrect: She goes to the store yesterday.
Correct: She went to the store yesterday.
Incorrect: I am seeing a movie tonight.
Correct: I will see a movie tonight.
Incorrect: He will be playing football yesterday.
Correct: He played football yesterday.
In conclusion, mastering verb tense agreement is an important part of developing strong writing skills. By understanding the different verb tenses and matching them to the correct time period, Year 6 students can ensure that their writing is clear and easy to understand.