Mastering the use of tense sequences in subordinate clauses is a crucial aspect of achieving fluency in English. These sequences often perplex even advanced learners because they require not only an understanding of individual tenses but also an appreciation of how these tenses interact within complex sentences. This article will help you navigate through the intricacies of tense sequences in subordinate clauses, providing a comprehensive guide to mastering this essential aspect of English grammar.
Understanding Subordinate Clauses
A subordinate clause, also known as a dependent clause, cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It provides additional information to the main clause and is usually introduced by a subordinating conjunction (e.g., because, although, if, when) or a relative pronoun (e.g., who, which, that). For example:
– Main Clause: She will go to the store.
– Subordinate Clause: because she needs some groceries.
When these clauses are combined, they form a complex sentence: She will go to the store because she needs some groceries.
Basic Rules for Tense Sequences
The tense used in the subordinate clause often depends on the tense of the main clause. Here are some basic rules to help you understand this relationship:
1. **Present Tense in the Main Clause**:
– When the main clause is in the present tense, the subordinate clause can be in the present, past, or future tense.
– Example: She says (present) that she is (present) happy.
– Example: She says (present) that she was (past) happy.
– Example: She says (present) that she will be (future) happy.
2. **Past Tense in the Main Clause**:
– When the main clause is in the past tense, the subordinate clause is usually also in the past tense.
– Example: She said (past) that she was (past) happy.
– However, if the subordinate clause expresses a general truth or a universal fact, it can remain in the present tense.
– Example: He said (past) that the Earth is (present) round.
3. **Future Tense in the Main Clause**:
– When the main clause is in the future tense, the subordinate clause can be in the present or future tense.
– Example: She will say (future) that she is (present) happy.
– Example: She will say (future) that she will be (future) happy.
Present Tense in the Main Clause
When the main clause is in the present tense, the subordinate clause can reflect a variety of tenses depending on the context. This flexibility allows you to convey actions and states that are simultaneous with, prior to, or following the action in the main clause.
**Simultaneous Actions**:
– Example: She believes (present) that he is (present) working.
**Prior Actions**:
– Example: She believes (present) that he finished (past) his work.
**Future Actions**:
– Example: She believes (present) that he will finish (future) his work.
Past Tense in the Main Clause
When the main clause is in the past tense, the subordinate clause typically shifts to the past tense as well. This rule ensures temporal consistency, making it clear that both actions occurred in the past.
**Simultaneous or Subsequent Actions**:
– Example: She thought (past) that he was (past) working.
– Example: She thought (past) that he would finish (future-in-the-past) his work.
**Prior Actions**:
– Example: She thought (past) that he had finished (past perfect) his work.
Future Tense in the Main Clause
When the main clause is in the future tense, the subordinate clause can use the present or future tense. This usage helps describe actions that will occur in the future or that are expected to happen concurrently with the main action.
**Simultaneous Actions**:
– Example: She will say (future) that he is (present) working.
**Future Actions**:
– Example: She will say (future) that he will finish (future) his work.
Special Considerations
While the above rules cover most scenarios, there are special considerations that you should be aware of. These exceptions often involve specific types of subordinate clauses or unique contexts that alter the standard tense sequence rules.
Conditional Sentences
Conditional sentences, which express hypothetical situations, have their own unique tense sequences. These sentences typically consist of an “if” clause (the condition) and a main clause (the result).
**First Conditional (Real Present or Future Condition)**:
– If + present tense, will + base form.
– Example: If it rains (present), we will cancel (future) the picnic.
**Second Conditional (Unreal Present or Future Condition)**:
– If + past tense, would + base form.
– Example: If I had (past) a million dollars, I would travel (future-in-the-past) the world.
**Third Conditional (Unreal Past Condition)**:
– If + past perfect, would have + past participle.
– Example: If she had studied (past perfect), she would have passed (past perfect) the exam.
Reported Speech
When converting direct speech into reported speech, the tense of the verb in the subordinate clause often shifts back one tense. This shift is known as backshifting.
**Direct Speech**:
– He says, “I am going to the store.”
**Reported Speech**:
– He said (past) that he was (past) going to the store.
However, backshifting is not always necessary if the reporting verb is in the present tense or if the reported speech expresses a general truth.
**No Backshifting**:
– He says (present), “The Earth is round.”
– He says (present) that the Earth is (present) round.
Relative Clauses
Relative clauses, which provide more information about a noun, generally follow the same tense sequence rules as other subordinate clauses. However, they often describe actions and states that are simultaneous with or prior to the main clause.
**Simultaneous Actions**:
– Example: She is the person who helps (present) me.
– Example: She was the person who helped (past) me.
**Prior Actions**:
– Example: She is the person who has helped (present perfect) me.
– Example: She was the person who had helped (past perfect) me.
Practice and Application
Understanding the theoretical rules of tense sequences is only half the battle; the other half is applying these rules in practice. Below are some exercises to help you internalize the concepts discussed.
Exercise 1: Identify the Tense Sequence
Read the following sentences and identify the tense of the main clause and the subordinate clause.
1. She says that she is tired.
2. He believed that she had left.
3. They will announce that they are opening a new store.
4. If it rains, we will stay inside.
5. She said that the Earth is round.
**Answers**:
1. Main Clause: present, Subordinate Clause: present
2. Main Clause: past, Subordinate Clause: past perfect
3. Main Clause: future, Subordinate Clause: present
4. Main Clause: future, Subordinate Clause: present
5. Main Clause: past, Subordinate Clause: present (general truth)
Exercise 2: Correct the Tense Sequence
Correct the tense sequence in the following sentences.
1. She said that she will go to the store.
2. He thinks that she was happy.
3. They will announce that they opened a new store.
4. If it rained, we will stay inside.
5. She believes that he finished his work.
**Suggested Corrections**:
1. She said that she would go to the store.
2. He thinks that she is happy.
3. They will announce that they are opening a new store.
4. If it rained, we would stay inside.
5. She believes that he has finished his work.
Conclusion
Mastering tense sequences in subordinate clauses is an essential skill for achieving fluency in English. While the rules may seem complex at first, consistent practice will help you internalize these patterns and use them naturally in your speech and writing. Remember, the key is to understand the relationship between the tenses in the main clause and the subordinate clause, and to apply these rules consistently.
By paying close attention to the nuances of tense sequences, you will be able to convey your thoughts more accurately and effectively, making your communication clearer and more precise. So, keep practicing, stay curious, and don’t hesitate to revisit these rules whenever you need a refresher. Happy learning!
