Present perfect followed by simple past tense in a sentence

English grammar questions, answered by Alan

Moderator: Alan

Locked
User avatar
grammarmicky
Member
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Jun 21, 2022 1:43 pm
Status: Learner of English
Location: London

Present perfect followed by simple past tense in a sentence

Post by grammarmicky »

Is the following sentence grammatically correct? While it sounds okay, I’m concerned about the present perfect mixed with simple past tense (highlighted). Does this sentence suggest the first part is ongoing while the second was completed and is no longer true in the present?

“Alongside my job, I have also found a longing to help others and became a volunteer at the homeless shelter.”
User avatar
Alan
Teacher/Moderator
Teacher/Moderator
Posts: 15193
Joined: Mon Dec 29, 2003 7:56 pm
Status: Teacher of English
Location: Japan

Re: Present perfect followed by simple past tense in a sentence

Post by Alan »

Grammatically acceptable, but stylistically less than felicitous: I would suggest 'have become a volunteer...' since no particular past time is specified.
Locked