Learn English Grammar and Vocabulary
Sequence of Tenses
When the verb in the main clause is in the past tense, the verb in the subordinate clause should also be in the past tense.
- He said that he would come.
- He hinted that he wanted money.
- We found out that he was innocent.
- I never thought that I would see him again.
There are exceptions to this rule.
A past tense in the principal clause may be followed by a present tense in the subordinate clause when the subordinate clause expresses a universal truth.
- The teacher said that the earth moves round the sun.
- He said that honesty is always the best policy.
When the verb in the principal clause is in the present or future tense, the verb in the subordinate clause can be in any tense as required by the sense.
- He says that he is fine.
- He says that he was fine.
- He says that he will be fine.
- He will say that he is interested.
- He will say that he was interested.
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