The document discusses the proper use of tense in sentences. It provides examples of sentences that are logically correct and incorrect based on whether they mix past and present tense verbs. A sentence with verbs in both past and present tense is generally incorrect, unless the specific context makes it logical. The last part of the document provides an exercise for the reader to identify which sentences are logically correct versus incorrect based on their tense.

2. PAST VS PRESENT
A sentence has both a past tense & a present
tense is incorrect.
Example:
1. He took the money when he wants* it.
*The meaning does not make sense because it is
impossible to do something in the past as a
result of something the speaker wants in the
present.

3. PAST VS PRESENT
2. He took the money when he wanted it.
The speaker took the money in the past when
he wanted in the past, it is logical & correct.
3. He takes the money when he wants it.
The speaker takes the money habitually when
he wants it habitually, it is logical & correct.

4. PAST VS PRESENT
In particular cases, it is also possible for a
logical sentence in English have both the
past & the present tense.
4. I know that he took the money yesterday.
The speaker know right now that he took the
money yesterday. It is logical & correct.

5. PAST VS PRESENT
How to indicate the correct & incorrect:
1. If a sentence has a verb in past & present, it is
probably incorrect.
2. See the meaning whether it’s logical or not.

6. Exercise
I 1. I tell him the truth when he asked me the question.
C 2. I understand that you were angry.
I 3. When he was a child, he always goes to the circus.
I 4. Last semester he reads seven books and wrote
five papers.
I 5. Steve wakes up early every morning because he
went to work early.

7. Exercise
I 6. Mark studied at the American University when he is
in Washington DC.
C 7. He is telling the teacher why he did not have time to
finish his homework.
I 8. He put some money in his account when he goes to
the bank.
C 9. Tom keeps studying hard because he intended to go
to dental school.
C 10. She is where she is today because she worked
hard when she was a student.