A sentence can contain more than one clause consisting of a main clause and one or more subordinate clauses. In such circumstances, sequence of tenses will be important.
There are two rules about the sequence of tenses.
a. If the main clause past tense, the verb in the clause should also be in past tense.
I knew that he was unwell.
Main clause : I knew (past tense).
Subordinate clause : He was unwell (past tense).
She told me that she required the money.
I noted that the television worked well.
b. If the verb in the main clause is the present tense or future tense. It can be followed by any tense in the subordinate clause.
| Main clause (present tense) | Tense in subordinate clause |
| He says He thinks She tells me She believes I don’t understand | he is late => simple present they are joking => present continuous that she has won a prize => present perfect that everyone was trying to make fun of her=> past continuous why he was dismissed => |
| Main clause (future tense) | Tense in subordinate clause |
| My boss will say He will tell you He will think | that I am always late => simple present who had commit the theft =>past perfect that we were not serious => simple past |
Note:
a. When we express a general truth, the subordinate clause may be in the form of present tense. The main clause is form of past tense, while the subordinate clause verb is present tense for expressing a general truth or the truth of all time.
Galileo found that the earth moves round the sun.
Soekarno said that Indonesia has vast natural resources.
b. When the subordinate clause preceded by than, despite past tense in the main clause, it may be followed by all tenses that required appropriate situation in subordinate clause.
I met her oftener than I meet her now this year.
c. If the subordinate clause stated the purpose or purposes, the verb in the subordinate clause must be present tense. Note, the verb in the main clause is present tense or future tense.
We eat that we may live.
No comments:
Post a Comment