Incompatible Verb Tenses On Either Side Of Co-ordinating Conjunction

When using a co-ordinating conjunction (and, but, so, while), be sure the verbs tenses on either side of the conjunction make chronological sense.

Cary was studying psychology, while Anna studies mathematics.

Cary was studying psychology, while Anna was studying mathematics.

Cary was studying psychology, while Anna studied mathematics.

The financial outlook was bleak, so they’ll be a little more cautious with expenditures.

The financial outlook was bleak, so they were a little more cautious with expenditures.

The financial outlook is bleak, so they’ll be a little more cautious with expenditures.

I wanted pizza for dinner, yet I also want pasta.

I wanted pizza for dinner, yet I also wanted pasta.

I want pizza for dinner, yet I know I will end up having pasta.