Rules for sequence of tenses
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The main rule is to use logic to make sentences that make sense :D (if you are a beginner when you are talking in the past use only tenses in past for start, present for present, and future for future) Then take time and look at types of tenses ( Past, Present, Future, Simple/Indefinite, Continuous, Perfect, Perfect continuous) 12 in total, and that is it it will take some time but there is no cheating in learning. Good luck :D
The rules for the sequence of tenses in English grammar dictate the appropriate verb tense to use in subordinate clauses (dependent clauses) when the main clause (independent clause) contains a specific tense. Present Tense: a. When the main clause is in the present tense, the subordinate clause can use either present or future tense. Example: She says (present) that she will come (future) tomorrow. Past Tense: a. When the main clause is in the past tense, the subordinate clause typically uses past tense. Example: He said (past) that he studied (past) all night. Present Perfect Tense: a. When the main clause is in the present perfect tense, the subordinate clause usually uses present perfect or past tense. Example: They have announced (present perfect) that they have completed (present perfect) the project. Past Perfect Tense: a. When the main clause is in the past perfect tense, the subordinate clause typically uses past perfect or past tense. Exam
Sequence of Tenses Tenses are verbs that describe when an event, action or condition has occurred. There are three types of tenses based on the time: Past Tense Present Tense Future Tense Each of these has 4 aspects which indicate the continuation of the tenses. So, there are in total 12 tenses that are regularly used in English Grammar eg: past tense in the principal clause is always followed by a past tense in the subordinate clause. Example: I found out that she was out of town. If the tense used with the principal clause is in the present or future tense, the tense of the subordinate clause can be in any tense based on what needs to be conveyed. Example: She is saying that she is alright. She says she is fine.
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Definitive- A set of grammatical rules of a particular language, governing the agreement between the tenses of verbs in related clauses or sentences. examples....Principal Clause She likes you better She liked you better She will like you better Subordinate Clause Then she has liked him. Then she liked him. Then she liked him. It will take some time to get used to and understand, however practice and patience will develop growth- good luck and I hope this is helpful to you:)
Hello Mistral, I can provide you with a detailed document on Verb Tenses. It is very simple to understand and quite informative. Message me your e-mail, if you want me to send you the document. Best Regards, Georges Khoury
Hello Misral NTMU-(nice to mee you) examples. Incorrect- The cat was bathing because his feet are dirty. The cat was bathing because his feet will be dirty. correct-The cat was bathing because his feet were dirty. hope that helps!
Hi there Mistral! The basic rule is, when the attribution tag( the source of the information, as in "Police said"...) is in the past tense , which means all other verbs in the sentence must be in the past tense.
Other student questions
- What is the most common mistake that you see beginners make when learning English?
It’s very common to make mistakes when you start learning English. What’s the most common mistake (grammatical, speaking, etc) that you have seen with beginner students? How did you correct them?
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I think beginners of any language translate every word or sentence in their minds. This translation method takes long time to learn any language. They should focus on rather core skills of language; ie. reading, writing, speaking and listening.
- Hey Guys!!!! Does anyone know if it is possible to learn chinese here?
I was thinking to take a little course
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Not so genius, but this has worked with my Asian and Latino students: Substitute all "Th-" in words with a "D-", as it is an easier starting point e.g. instead of "The", ask them to say De(almost like a form of pidgin english: de boi VS the boy). Its a matter of throat to tongue, where sounds with "T" and "D" are easier to begin with and then you will gradually progress to the "Th-" sounds as the find confindence and comfort. You could always tell them to pretend they are blowing out candles on a birthday cake; and for the "Th" sound their tongue should gently touch their teeth, like in words like "Thin" or "This". Have them practice the not so elated soft "Th" sound-- its like their tongue is having a short siesta on their teeth! Such a mental jounery and lots of creativity will get you through a lot of pronounciation hurdles.
