3. Sequence of Tenses

The tense of a verb in the subordinate clause changes in accordance with the tense of the verb in the main clause.

The basic rules are as follows:

Rule 1

If the verb in the principal clause is in the present or the future tense, the verb in the subordinate clause may be in any tense, depending upon the sense to be expressed.

He says that he is fine. He will say that he is fine. Rule 2

If the tense in the principal clause is in the past tense, the tense in the subordinate clause will be in the corresponding past tense.

He said that he would come. There are, nevertheless, a few exceptions to this rule.

A past tense in the main clause may be followed by a present tense in the subordinate clause when the subordinate clause expresses some universal truth.

Copernicus proved that the earth moves round the sun. A subordinate clause expressing place, reason or comparison may be in any tense, according to the sense to be expressed.

He didn’t get the job because his English isn’t good. Rule 3

Note that when the subordinate clause is introduced by the conjunction of purpose that, the following rules are observed.

We use may in the subordinate clause when the main clause is in the present tense. We use might in the subordinate clause when the main clause is in the past tense.

I study that I may pass. I will study that I may pass. I studied that I might pass. We eat that we may live. He ate that he might not die.

Rule 4

If the principal clause is in the future tense, we do not use future tense in subordinating clauses beginning with when, until, before, after etc.

I will call you when dinner is ready. (NOT I will call you when dinner will be ready.) I shall wait until you return. (NOT I shall wait until you will return.)

Rule 5

Expressions such as as if, if only, it is time and wish that are usually followed by pasttenses.

I wish I was a bit taller. It is time we started working. He talks as if he knew everything.

CARD #14

2. The media

The mass media play an important part in our lives. Newspapers, radio and especially TV inform us of what is going on in this world and give us wonderful possibilities for education and entertainment. They also influence the way we see the world and shape our views. Our values and way of life in the society in this information era are strongly influenced by the mass media like newspapers, TV, radio, video, and the internet.

Of course, not all newspapers and TV programmes report the events objectively, but serious journalists and TV reporters try to be fair and provide us with reliable information.

It is true that the world today is full of dramatic events and most news seems to be bad news. But people aren’t interested in ordinary events. That is why there are so many programmes and articles about natural disasters, plane crashes, wars, murders and robberies. Good news doesn’t usually make headlines. Bad news does.

The main source of news for millions of people is television. People like TV news because they can see everything with their own eyes. And that’s an important advantage. Seeing, as we know, is believing. Besides, it’s much more difficult for politicians to lie in front of the cameras than on the pages of newspapers. Viewers are fond of watching different kinds of shows, films, sports, plays and games, educational and cultural programmes. Although there are many interesting and exciting TV shows, but some of them encourages indecency, foul language, drug and alcohol abuse.

Still, many people prefer the radio. It’s good to listen to in the car, or in the open air, or when you do something about the house. Books are another type of Mass Media. In book shops you can find variety kinds of book. They are belletristic, science, fiction romantic stories, historical novels, detectives, horror and textbooks. Theatre is a place where you can see a play staged. It is also one of entertainments. But we are to admit that theatre is not so popular now as it used to be. There are many people who prefer to seat comfortably in front of a big screen in the cinema.

Newspapers don’t react to events as quickly as TV, but they usually provide us with extra detail, comment and background information. They carry articles which cover the latest international and national events. There are special newspapers which gave a full coverage of commercial, financial and publish affairs. There are newspapers and magazines for young people. They give a wide coverage of news, events and reports on education, sports, cultural life, entertainment and fashion.

The Internet has recently become another important source of information. Its main advantage is that news appears on the screen as soon as things happen in real life and you don’t have to wait for news time on TV. If you think you have something interesting to tell to others, or you want to share your expert knowledge online, you can easily create your own site and change it regularly as needed just like a real newspaper or a magazine.You can send messages any place in just several seconds and talk to other people in online chats or forums.

So mass media in our life performs the following function: informs about everything, shapes and exerts public opinions, entertains, educates, promotes materialistic values and keeps in touch with other people. I could say that TV, radio, press reflect the present day life. Every year the influence of mass media is becoming greater and greater. The media virus of the 21st century will influence your opinions, it will eventually begin to tell you what clothes to wear, how to style your hair, how you should look, who you should like and etc.