Sequence of Tenses: Definition, Rules, Examples

Sequence of Tenses

Sequence of tenses refers to the grammatical rule that explains how the tenses of verbs in two or more parts of a sentence relate to each other. 

When a sentence has more than one clause (for example, a main clause and a subordinate clause), the tense in the subordinate clause usually depends on the tense in the main clause.

In simpler words, when we talk about two actions in a sentence, we must make sure the tenses of those actions are logically connected. This helps the sentence make sense and sound correct.

Also read: Phrases and Clauses

Sequence of Tenses Definition

According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, the sequence of tenses is defined as:

The rules according to which the tense of a subordinate clause depends on the tense of the main clause, so that both are consistent and grammatically correct. For example, ‘I know that she is happy’ becomes ‘I knew that she was happy’ in the past tense.

Also read: What is a Complex Sentence?

Sequence of Tenses Rules with Examples

Now that you have understood ‘what is the sequence of tense’, let’s go through the sequence of tense rules with examples to make everything easy to understand.

Rule 1: Use Past Tense in Both Parts of the Sentence (Past Follows Past)

When the main clause is in the past tense, the subordinate clause should also be in the past tense.

Sequence of Tense Examples:

• I thought you were at home

• They were telling us that they liked the show.

• My parents had left before I arrived.

• The teacher wanted to know if the students had completed the work.

• He was angry because he had been waiting for an hour.

There are two situations where this rule does not apply.

Exception 1: Use Present Tense for Facts or Habits

If the second part of the sentence talks about a universal truth, scientific fact, or daily routine, use present tense, even if the first part is in the past.

Sequence of Tense Examples:

• The teacher said that the Earth revolves around the Sun.

• She told me that she walks to school every day.

Exception 2: Free Tense in Comparisons Using "Than"

When you make a comparison using “than”, there is no fixed tense rule. You can use the tense that fits the meaning.

Sequence of Tense Examples:

• I would rather go out than stay home all day.

• I will miss you more than I ever missed anyone else.

Read more: simple present tense

Rule 2: Any Tense May Follow Present or Future

When the main clause is in the present tense or the future tense, the subordinate clause can be in any tense. The tense of the subordinate clause depends on the time being referred to and the overall meaning.

Sequence of Tense Examples:

• He says he was late to school yesterday.

• She thinks that the results will improve next time.

• My father believes that honesty is important.

• We will discuss your plan if it sounds reasonable.

• They hope that we have completed the task

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Rule 3: Present Tense Follows Future in Time and Conditional Clauses

When a sentence has its main clause in the future tense, and includes time-related subordinating conjunctions (such as when, before, after, as soon as, once, until) or conditional words (if, unless), the verb in the subordinate clause must be in the present tense, even though it refers to a future time.

Sequence of Tense Examples:

• I will call you when the movie ends.

• She will come home after she finishes her project.

• They will leave as soon as the bell rings.

• If you study hard, you will succeed.

• He will not stop until he wins the competition.

Note: Do not use the future tense in the subordinate clause. For example:

• I will call you when the movie will end Incorrect

•  I will call you when the movie ends Correct

Rule 4: Use of Past Tense with Certain Phrases

In English, some fixed phrases or expressions are always followed by the past tense in the subordinate clause, regardless of the tense used in the main clause. These expressions refer to imaginary, hypothetical, or unreal situations, or actions that should have already happened. The most common expressions in this category include:

• as if

• I wish

• it is time / it is high time

• what if

Sequence of Tense Examples:

• I wish I had more time to prepare.

• She talks as if she owned the company.

• It is time you started thinking about your future.

• What if he missed the bus?

• It’s high time they took the matter seriously.

Note: Even though these sentences may refer to the present or future, the past tense is used to express something unreal, imaginary, or overdue.

Also read: Tense chart

Rule 5: Modal Verbs with “That” or “So That”

When a sentence uses “that” or “so that” to show a purpose, use the right modal verb depending on the tense of the first part.

• Use may or can if the first part is in the present tense.

• Use might or could if the first part is in the past tense.

Sequence of Tense Examples:

• We work hard so that we may succeed.

• She studies so that she can pass.

• They saved money so that they might travel.

• He practised daily so that he could improve.

Also read: Antecedent – Meaning and Definition

Sequence of Tenses Questions

Read each sentence. Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb in brackets, following the sequence of tenses rules:

1. I knew that she __________ (be) honest.

2. He said he __________ (see) the film before.

3. She says that she __________ (like) the new teacher.

4. The teacher taught us that the moon __________ (revolve) around the Earth.

5. They were sure that he __________ (win) the match.

6. She will talk to you after she __________ (finish) her work.

7. I wish I __________ (have) more time.

8. What if they __________ (miss) the last bus?

9. We saved money so that we __________ (can) travel abroad.

10. He told me that he __________ (visit) us soon.

11. It is high time you __________ (start) preparing for your exams.

12. He will wait here until the train __________ (arrive).

13. They hoped that she __________ (pass) the exam.

14. My brother said he __________ (go) to the library every day.

15. I would rather play outside than __________ (watch) TV all day.

Answer

1. was

2. had seen

3. likes

4. revolves

5. would win

6. finishes

7. had

8. missed

9. could

10. would visit

11. started

12. arrives

13. would pass

14. went

15. watch

Also read: What Is Punctuation? 

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