A Guide to Proper Tense Usage in Headlines
As an editor, you know that headlines are the first thing readers see. That's why it's important to get them right. But did you know that choosing the right tense can make a big difference in how readers perceive your article?
Understanding Tenses
The three main tenses in English are past, present, and future. The past tense is used to talk about events that have already happened. The present tense is used to talk about things that are happening now, and the future tense is used to talk about things that will happen in the future.
When it comes to headlines, it's important to choose the right tense based on the topic of your article. If you're writing about something that happened in the past, use the past tense. If you're discussing a current event, use the present tense. And if you're making predictions about the future, use the future tense.
Using But to Link Two Sentences
Using "but" to link two sentences is a great way to create a sense of contrast between two ideas. However, it's important to pay attention to the tense of each sentence when using "but" to link them.
For example, consider the following headline: "The Company Lost Money Last Year, But Expects Profits This Year". In this case, the first sentence is in the past tense, while the second sentence is in the present tense. This creates a sense of contrast between the company's financial situation in the past and their expectations for the future.
Avoiding Tense Shifts
One of the biggest mistakes writers make when using multiple tenses in a headline is shifting tenses mid-sentence. This can be confusing for readers and make your headline appear unprofessional.
For example, consider the following headline: "The Company Lost Money Last Year, But Will Be Making A Profit This Year". In this case, the tense shifts from past to future halfway through the sentence. This creates confusion and makes the headline less effective.
Conclusion
Choosing the right tense in a headline can make a big difference in how readers perceive your article. By understanding tenses and using "but" to link two sentences, you can create headlines that are both clear and engaging. Above all, it's important to avoid tense shifts and maintain consistency throughout your headline.
