Structure: Introduction to Sequence of Tenses - SS2 English Lesson Note

Sequence of Tenses: The sequence of tenses is a set of rules that handle the use of tenses in a sentence or a paragraph. The rules are designed to ensure that the tenses of the verbs in a sentence are consistent and that the meaning of the sentence is clear.

There are two main rules of sequence of tenses:

1. The tense of the subordinate clause must be consistent with the tense of the main clause.
2. The tense of the subordinate clause must be consistent with the meaning of the sentence.

For example, if the main clause is in the past tense, the subordinate clause must also be in the past tense. However, if the main clause is in the present tense, the subordinate clause can be in the present tense, the past tense, or the future tense, depending on the meaning of the sentence.

Examples of the rules of sequence of tenses:

• Main clause in the past tense, subordinate clause in the past tense:
  • I thought that he was coming.

Main clause in the present tense, subordinate clause in the present tense:

• I know that he is coming.

Main clause in the present tense, subordinate clause in the past tense:

• I know that he came yesterday.

Main clause in the present tense, subordinate clause in the future tense:

• I know that he will come tomorrow.