and revise, be sure that any shifts you make are logical. An illogical shift occurs when a writer changes tense, person, number, or voice for no good reason.... Avoiding Shifts in Tense, Person, and Voice . Illogical Shift in Verb Tense Past tense o I started writing my essay last night at p.m. and then finish it.... An illogical shift in tense occurs when a writer shifts from one tense to another for no apparent reason. Illogical Shift in Tense The dog walked to the.... Except for special cases where the intended meaning requires a change in tense, maintain the same tense within a sentence. Error- shift in verb tense. The.... A shift in mood occurs when the writer moves among commands or directions statements or questions and wishes, suggestions, or conditions contrary to fact.. An illogical shift in tense occurs when a writer changes tenses for no apparent reason.. Illogical Verb Tense Shift The dog walked slowly to the fireplace. Then he circles twice and lay down. McKenna Dukes and Rachel Kimball..