Sequence of tenses
Match the tense of a clause to a past or present main verb.
You already know the main tenses. This lesson shows how the tense of the main verb guides the tense of the verb in a clause that depends on it.
The sequence of tenses is the rule that a past verb in the main clause is usually followed by a past form in the dependent clause.
Examples
- Anjali said that the shop was closed.
- We knew the guests would arrive late.
- Dev told me he could fix the fan.
- She says that she is ready.
- The chef reminded us that water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
How it works
Past main verb, past clause
When the main verb is in the past, the verb in the dependent clause usually shifts back too. Is becomes was, and are becomes were.
Rohan believed that his phone was in the car.
Modals shift as well
After a past main verb, will becomes would, can becomes could and may becomes might.
The driver promised that he would wait outside.
Present or future main verb
If the main verb is in the present or future tense, the dependent verb can be in any tense that suits the meaning.
Mum thinks that we will enjoy the trip.
Facts stay in the present
A universal truth, a scientific fact or a habit that is still true keeps the present tense, even after a past main verb.
The planetarium guide explained that the moon has no light of its own.
Quick reference
| After a present main verb | After a past main verb | Example with a past main verb |
|---|---|---|
| is / am | was | He said he was hungry. |
| are | were | I felt they were right. |
| has / have | had | She knew she had a chance. |
| will | would | We hoped it would stop raining. |
| can | could | Tina said she could swim. |
| may | might | I feared the bus might leave. |
Common mistakes
✕Arif said that he will call me after lunch.
✓Arif said that he would call me after lunch.
After the past verb said, will changes to would.
✕The guide told us that the sun rose in the east.
✓The guide told us that the sun rises in the east.
A universal truth stays in the present tense.
✕I thought you are coming with us.
✓I thought you were coming with us.
The past verb thought needs the past form were.
Worked example
Exercise 1
Tap the verb in the dependent (that) clause.
Arjun knew that the train was late.
✓was
was belongs to the clause that the train was late; it is past because the main verb knew is past.
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