When editing your writing, be sure to use the correct verb tense.

The tense of a verb tells the time of the action. 

 For action that is happening now             use present tense

 For action that has already happened    use past tense

 For action that will happen                      use future tense

When writing a paragraph, it's important to write in the same tense.

Read the following paragraphs. Replace the underlined verb with the correct tense.

          Last summer my family spent a week at the beach.  We swam in the ocean. We collected seashells.  I find a really pretty shell.  I kept it in a special place.

found correct tense

               I am in 4th grade.  I go to school each day.  I study hard, and I listen to my teacher.  I sat in my seat and listen carefully to everything the teacher says.  I am a good student.

sit correct tense

             When I grow up I will be an astronaut.  I will travel into space.  It will be very exciting.  Crowds of people will cheer for me when I return.  I was a hero.  My mother will be proud of me too.

will be correct tense