SEQUENCE
OF TENSE
GROUP 3 MEMBERS : JASON,
BENEDICTA, XORNAM, NANA AMA
AND SIMONA
WHAT IS SEQUENCE OF TENSE?
• The sequence of tense refers to the grammatical rule that
dictates how the tenses of verbs in a sentence relate to each
other, especially when one clause (the main clause) influences
the tense of another clause (the subordinate clause). This
concept is particularly important in reported speech and complex
sentence. In other words, it can be said that in a sentence having
two clauses, deciding the tense of the subordinate clause is
solely dependent on the tense of the main clause.
RULES REGARDING SEQUENCE OF TENSES
WITH EXAMPLES
Learning and understanding the rules to be followed when using multiple
verbs in a sentence is the only way to comprehend how a particular
sequence of tenses works. Looking at some examples and associating
them with the rules is how you can master them. Given below are the
rules to be followed when using multiple tenses.
Rule 1
A past tense in the principal clause is always followed by a past tense in
the subordinate clause. Example: I found out that she was out of town.
RULES REGARDING SEQUENCE OF TENSES WITH
EXAMPLES
• However, there is an exception to this rule. When the
principal clause is in the past tense, the subordinate clause
can be in the present tense if it is citing a universal truth.
Example: The children were taught that honesty is the best
policy.
Another exception to this rule is when the word ‘than’ is
used in the sentence to introduce the subordinate clause. In
this case, we can use any tense with the subordinate clause
irrespective of the tense used with the principal clause.
Example: I liked the colour black than I like the colour purple.
RULES REGARDING SEQUENCE OF TENSES WITH EXAMPLES
• Rule 2
• If the tense used with the principal clause is in the present
or future tense, the tense of the subordinate clause can be
in any tense based on what needs to be conveyed.
• Example: She is saying that she is alright, She says she is
fine, I think that the food is good. , He will think that we
did not invite him.
RULES REGARDING SEQUENCE OF TENSES WITH EXAMPLES
• RULE 3
When some phrases such as “If only”, “Wish that”, “What if”,
are used, the clauses that follow it are always in the past
tense.
Example: I wish that I could eat another ice cream., What
if we burned the house down?
RULES REGARDING SEQUENCE OF TENSES WITH
EXAMPLES
• RULE 4
• When the subordinate clause is introduced with the
conjunction ‘that’, we do the following,
• We use ‘may’ in the subordinate clause when the principal
clause is in the present tense. AND
• We use ‘might’ in the subordinate clause when the principal
clause is in the past tense.
• Example: We eat that we may live., She tried to swim so
that he might have a chance at life.
COMMON MISTAKES IN SEQUENCE OF TENSE
• Shifting Tenses Abruptly: Jumping between past, present, and
future tenses without clear transitions can confuse the reader
or listener. Maintain consistency within a sentence or
paragraph by ensuring all verbs align to the same time frame.
• Mixing Past and Present Tenses: Avoid using a combination of
past and present tenses within the same sentence or thought.
This creates ambiguity around the timing of events. Stick to a
single tense unless deliberately shifting timelines.
COMMON MISTAKES IN SEQUENCE OF TENSE
• Using the Wrong Tense in Dependent Clauses: Dependent
clauses must match the tense of the main clause. For
example, "After I finish my work, I will go out for dinner" is
incorrect - the dependent clause should use the future
perfect "After I have finished my work I will go out for
dinner".
• Forgetting to Carry Tense Through: If the main verb is in the
past tense, remember to keep all related verbs in the past
as well. Sentences like "I walked to the store and buy a
magazine" are incorrect - the second verb should also be in
the past tense ("...and bought a magazine").
IMPORTANCE OF SEQUENCE OF TENSE
• Adhering to sequence of tense is crucial for clear,
coherent communication. Inconsistent verb tenses
can muddy the meaning of a message, making it
difficult for the reader or listener to follow the
timeline of events. Mastering sequence of tense
allows writers and speakers to articulate their
ideas precisely and avoid ambiguity.
