Sequence of tenses

Sometimes the time expressed in a main clause is different from the time expressed in a subordinate clause. This can confuse ESL students because they don't know whether it is appropriate to use different tenses in the different clauses of a sentence. Modal verbs also convey a sense of time. They can be confusing too. We hope this lesson will be helpful to all students who are worried about using tense sequences correctly.

Rule 1

When the main clause is in the present or future tense, the verb of the subordinate clause can be in any tense. You just need to make sure that the meaning is conveyed accurately. Read the following sentences.

In all the sentences given above, the main clause (John will ask) is in the simple future tense. In this case, the subordinate clause can be in any tense. Your choice of tense should depend upon the meaning you want to convey. That's all.

Now consider another set of examples. In this case, the main clause is in the simple present tense. Therefore, the subordinate clause can be in any tense.

Rule 2

When the main clause is in the past or past perfect tense, the subordinate clause must be in the past or past perfect tense.

There are some exceptions to this rule. When the subordinate clause expresses a general truth, it can in the present tense even when the main clause is in the past tense.

Sections in this article

Sequence of tenses | part 1
Sequence of tenses | Exercise
Sequence of verb tenses

 

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