Prépa Sciences Po – Anglais – Fiche 4 : Sequences of Verb Tenses

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Professeur : Suzie Suriam FICHE IV Sequences of Verb Tenses This difficulty is especially evident in some complex sentences: there is a difference between the time expressed in an independent clause and the time expressed in a dependent clause. Another difficulty occurs with the use of infinitives, participles and modals also conveying a sense of time. Let’s hope that the tables below will help writers sort out sequences of verb tenses. If the verb of the main clause is neither in the past nor in the past perfect tenses: There are no restrictions regarding the verb of the subordinate clause (as long as meaning is conveyed accurately). When the verb of the main clause is in the past or past perfect: The verb in the subordinate clause must be in the past or past perfect. Exception: When the subordinate clause states a so-called general truth. Check the tables below for the correct tense sequences. 1 Professeur : Suzie Suriam Tense in Purpose of Dependent Clause/ Independent Example(s) Tense in Dependent Clause Clause For same-time action, use the present I am eager to go to the concert tense because I love this band. For earlier action, use past tense I know that he made the right choice. Simple For a period of time extending from They believe that they have picked Present some point in the past to the present, the best applicant. use the present perfect tense.

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• Publié par: lewebpedagogique
• Publié le: 10 septembre 2009
• Nombre de lectures: 62
• Langue: Français

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Professeur : Suzie Suriam

FICHE IV

Sequences of Verb Tenses

This difficulty is especially evident in some complex sentences: there is a difference between the time expressed in anindependent clauseand the time expressed in adependent clause. Another difficulty occurs with the use ofinfinitives,participlesandmodalsalso conveying a sense of time. Let’s hope that the tables below will help writers sort outsequences of verb tenses.

If the verbof the main clause is neither in the past nor in the past perfect tenses:

There are no restrictions regarding the verb of the subordinate clause (as long as meaning is conveyed accurately).

When the verbof the main clause is in the past or past perfect:

The verb in the subordinate clause must be in the past or past perfect.Exception:the When subordinate clause states a so-calledgeneral truth.

Check the tables below for the correct tense sequences.

1