Добавил:
Upload Опубликованный материал нарушает ваши авторские права? Сообщите нам.
Вуз: Предмет: Файл:
Практична граматика англ.мови.doc
Скачиваний:
181
Добавлен:
25.11.2019
Размер:
1.15 Mб
Скачать

Sequence of tenses

The sequence of tenses is a dependence of the tense (This sentence is very confusing. Is there a more direct way to say this?) of the verb in a subordinate clause on that of the verb in the principal clause.

1) If the verb in the principal clause expresses a past action, a past tense or future-in-the-past is used in the object clause.

Present Simple  Past Simple

Present Continuous  Past Continuous

The action of the object clause refers to the same period of time as the past action of the principal clause.

Present Perfect

Past Perfect

Past Simple

The action of the object clause precedes the past action of the principal clause.

Future  Future-in-the-Past

The action of the object clause refers to the future with regard to the past moment.

Sequence of Tenses

He lives in New York.

I thought he lived in New York.

Simultaneous action.

Mother is sleeping.

I knew (that) mother was sleeping.

Simultaneous action.

He has returned from London.

I was told (that) he had returned from London.

Prior action.

He bought a new flat.

I heard (that) he had bought a new flat.

Prior action.

He will send us a letter.

I supposed (that) he would send us a letter.

Future action.

2) If the object clause is subordinated to another subordinate clause, the tense of the verb in the object clause depends on the predicate of the clause to which it is subordinated (not on the predicate of the principal clause).(How could this be said more simply?)

He said that his sister had written to him that she worked at a plant.

Він сказав, що його сестра писала йому, що вона працює на заводі.

3) The sequence of tenses is usually not observed if the object clause expresses a well-known fact.

He knew that metals conduct electricity.

Він знав, що метали проводять електрику.

4) If the action of the object clause is simultaneous with the action of the principal clause or future with regard to the time of speaking, the sequence of tenses is not always observed - the present or future tenses can be used in the object clause though the action of the principal clause refers to the past.(Is this needlessly complex for the student?)

Somebody asked me where I’m going.

I told you I’m in hurry.

Хтось запитав мене, куди я йду.

Я сказала вам, що поспішаю.

Note:

5) If the exact time of performing an action is given in the object clause then this action is expressed with Past Simple or Past Continuous.

He said that he finished school in 1998.

Він сказав, що закінчив школу в 1998 році.

He said he was working when she rang him up.

Він сказав, що працював , коли вона подзвонила йому.