Hello,
I am trying to write rule to suggest consistency between verb tense in the first half of a sentence and the second half using skip="-1" but it isn’t working. I am still using LT 1.7, so if it is a version problem please let me know.
The error is here: Once the project manager had (has) been recruited, the next condition is about their training.
The LT rule I have so far is as follows:
<rule id="HAD_BEEN_VBN_SKIP_VBZ" name="Once the project manager had (has) been recruited, the next condition is about their training">
<token>had</token>
<token>been</token>
<token postag="VBN"></token>
<token>,</token>
<token skip="-1" postag_regexp="yes" postag="VBZ|VBP"></token>
<message>You began the sentence in the past with 'had been \3', but then you have a present tense verb '\5' in the next clause. Consider making 'had' into 'has', as in <suggestion>has been \3</suggestion> or change '\5' to <suggestion><match no="5" postag="VBD"></match></suggestion></message>
<short>Verb tense consistency</short>
<example correction="has" type="incorrect">Once the project manager <marker>had</marker> been recruited, the next condition is about their training.</example>
</rule>
Any help with this problem would be much appreciated.
Best wishes,
Nick