Chapter-3
                                                               Verb Usage
A common error that appears in the writing of UTEP students is verb tense usage. A common mistake is to switch tense throughout one’s essay, sometimes using a present form while using a past form at other points. This is complicated by the fact that different citation styles have different rules for verb usage, with MLA preferring present tense (i.e. Daniels says) and APA preferring past tense (i.e. Daniels said). It is important to be consistent throughout your writing projects by using the same tense throughout.