Sequence of tenses english pdf

Note— To these may be added certain forms less commonly used in independent clauses:. The following is the general rule for the Sequence of Tenses.

In complex sentences a primary tense in the main clause is followed by the present or perfect in the dependent clause, and a secondary tense by the imperfect or pluperfect. If the leading verb is primary , the dependent verb must be in the present if it denotes incomplete action , in the perfect if it denotes completed action. If the leading verb is secondary , the dependent verb must be in the imperfect if it denotes incomplete action , in the pluperfect if it denotes completed action.

I ask [primary] what you were doing [now past]. I asked [secondary] what you were doing. Notice that the future perfect denotes action completed at the time referred to , and hence is represented in the subjunctive by the perfect or pluperfect. He shows that if they come shall have come , many will perish. He showed that if they should come should have come , many would perish. In the Sequence of Tenses the following special points are to be noted.

The perfect indicative is ordinarily a secondary tense, but allows the primary sequence when the present time is clearly in the writer's mind. Note— The perfect infinitive in exclamations follows the same rule. He told me that he had been ill. I knew that he would not pass. We noticed that the fan had stopped. A past tense in the main clause may be followed by a present tense in the subordinate clause when the subordinate clause expresses some universal truth.

Copernicus proved that the earth moves round the sun. The teacher told us that honesty is the best policy. He told me that the Hindus burn their dead. A subordinate clause expressing place, reason or comparison may be in any tense, according to the sense to be expressed. A fishing village once existed where now lies the city of Mumbai. If the subordinate clause is an adjective clause, it may be in any tense as is required by the sense. Note that when the subordinate clause is introduced by the conjunction of purpose that , the following rules are observed.

We use may in the subordinate clause when the main clause is in the present tense. We use might in the subordinate clause when the main clause is in the past tense. I study that I may pass. If the statement comes as She said, " I should consult the doctor. She feels a hand touch her shoulder Touches or touching. After examine just a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your method of blogging.

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