SEQUENCE OF TENSES

We have to use more than one clause in a sentence quite often. Therefore, it is essential that we know how to sequence different clauses. Here are some simple rules :

1.    If the Principal Clause is in the Present or Future Tense, the Subordinate Clause will be made in Present or Future Tense; for example :

You wash your hands before you eat.

You can wash your hands before you eat.

You will wash your hands before you eat.

She will claim that she will wash her hands before eating.

2.    If the Principal Clause is in the Past Tense, the Subordinate Clause will be given in the Past Tense itself; for example :

You washed your hands before you ate.

You could wash your hands before you ate.

(a)  In this case, will, shall, can and may are changed into would, should (would), could and might; for example :

He said that he would wash his hands before eating.

He said that he could wash his hands before eating.

(b) However, this rule does not apply to those facts which represent the present situation, universal truths, habits or phrases; for example :

He said that he washes his hands before eating. (habit)

He said that his name is Bhushan. (fact)

He said that the sun is a star. (universal truth)

He said that God helps those who help themselves. (phrase)

Look at some more examples :

She says that she is a singer.

He will say that he will sing on the stage.

You said that you would play in the team.

I know a player who plays well.

I know a player who played well.

We started early so that we could reach in time.

If you invited him, he would certainly come.

Note : The Principal Clause in all above examples has been given in colour.