 Grammar Ninja #8 2006-11-13 . chapter 1 This is truly hysterical. The only problem that I, Grammar Ninja #8, have with it is that your grammar is far from perfect. You have a great style and an eye for humor. However, the only thing that kept me from laughing myself out of my seat was the grammar.
Do not switch verb tenses in the middle of sentences. Please, just don't. It hurts my brain and makes things much harder to read and enjoy. It also incurs the wrath of Grammar Ninjas.
Here's an example of tense switching. It is not the only one, but it will serve. See below.
"I pull back the curtains and let loose a string of angry curses at the person who… wasn’t there. I blink. I could have sworn…" The person ISN'T there. It is prohibited by the Code of the Grammar Ninjas that you use present and past in such a manner. Either you write in present all the way, or you do not. Thus, the sentence must run as follows: "I pull back the curtains and let loose a string of angry curses at the person who… isn’t there. I blink. I could have sworn…" Like that. "I could have sworn" works just fine, I think, since you could indeed, previously, have sworn, but when you look, Ed the narrator (or ratazip the author), nobody IS outside ogling your little tushie.
Another example, which I will be briefer on, is, "When it was at a decent temperature, I step back and pull off my shirt, dropping it messily down to the floor." The water IS at a decent temperature. Having two tenses and the same subject in the same phrase just doesn't work. The Code of the Grammar Ninja forbids it! To possess temporal equilibrium, the phrase must run thus, "When it is at a decent temperature, I step back and pull off my shirt, dropping it messily down to the floor." Thus, it is acceptable to the Grammar Ninjas.
In conclusion, don't switch tenses around, or the Grammar Ninjas will come and get you. Write in one tense or the other. If one point in the story takes you from past to present, it can work, even if it is a bit disconcerting. However, it should not throw the whole story into a state of total discombobulation (a state of chaos).
I love your story, just please, don't switch tenses. A good proofreader will help immensely, and the story will be perfect. It will be hysterical and even more of a joy to read.
May you always possess temporal equilibrium.
~Grammar Ninja #8 |