Sequence of Tenses
Summary
Understanding the sequence of tenses is crucial for accurately reporting events across different times from a past perspective. This involves using specific verb tenses to denote actions in the speaker's past, present, and future from that viewpoint.
- Sequence of tenses becomes complex when reporting from a past perspective involves events that also span the past, present, and future.
- For the speaker's present, use simple past or past progressive; for the speaker's past, use past perfect; and for the speaker's future, use conditional tense.
- The sequence of tense rules apply to verbs of saying, thinking, arguing, believing, or any verb that introduces a that clause.
- Correct application of these rules is demonstrated through examples, highlighting the importance of consistency in tense usage to maintain grammatical correctness.
- Common mistakes include mixing tenses inappropriately, which can lead to grammatical errors or changes in meaning.
Chapters
00:01
Introduction to Sequence of Tenses
01:38
Rules for Sequence of Tenses
02:46
Applying Sequence of Tenses in Complex Sentences
04:09
Common Mistakes and Corrections
