

How to Use the Sequence of Tenses in Reported Speech and Writing
The sequence of Tenses is the rules that regulate the use of tenses. There are a few rules to remember to use these tenses correctly and meaningfully. While some may seem self-evident, others must be addressed. Today, in this article we are going to learn about the sequence of tenses, their rules, and some solved examples. So, let’s start by understanding the sequence of tenses in the coming section.
What Does the Sequence of Tenses Mean?
Tenses are verbs that describe the timing of an event, action, or condition. When a passage contains more than one verb in it, the relationship between the tenses of the verbs is known as the sequence of tenses. Different types of sequences are available. When all the verbs in a sentence show actions or states that occur at or generally about the same time, their tenses should be the same:
Whenever the alarm clock rings, I run, stretch, and roll over for another five minutes of last sleep. (all present tense).
She opened her arms to the audience, smiled, and bowed deeply. (all past tense).
On the other hand, a sentence may describe actions that occur at different times. It will then have verbs in different tenses:
Kim had been practicing on the simulator for almost three years before she made it to the actual car race. (past perfect and past).
Recently, the largest bank in the area lowered its interest rate on loans; the directors want to stimulate borrowing. (past and present).
Rules for Sequence of Tenses
The sequence of the tenses must be kept in mind. This is a rule that states that the tense of the verb in the subordinate clause, follows the tense of the verb in the main clause according to the rules below.
There are Two Major Rules:
Rule 1
If there is a use of Past Tense in the Principal Clause, it must be followed by a Past Tense in the Subordinate Clause.
Examples:
Rule 2
A Present or Future Tense in the Principal Clause might be followed by any tense required by the sense to convey in the Subordinate Clause.
Some Other Rules
The Following Are the Other Rules That Also Need to Be Kept in Mind.
Rule 3
(Exception to Rule 1) : (Exception to Rule 1): - A Past Tense in the Principal Clause might be followed by a Present tense in the Subordinate Clause when the Subordinate clause expresses some daily habit of a universal fact in a sentence.
Examples:
The teacher taught us that the sun rises from the east.
The king said that all humans are mortal.
He learned from his failure that pride has a fall.
Rule 4
When the Subordinate Clause is introduced by a Conjunction of comparison, e.g. then, Rule 1 does not apply here as any tense can be followed by any tense.
If the comparison is displayed by ‘as well as’ instead of ‘then’, the same rule holds intact. Any tense may be followed by any tense, according to the context intended by the speaker.
Rule 5
If the Verb in the Principal Clause is used with the past tense, the Verb in the Subordinate Clause must be expressed by ' might' (Past Tense).
He worked hard that he might win the tournament.
He was working hard that he might win the tournament.
He had worked hard that he might win the tournament.
He had been working hard that he might win the tournament.
Rule 6
When phrases like as if, with that, what if, it is time are used, the sentences are always in the past tense.
I wish I could eat another pizza.
They stared at me as if I were crazy.
Important Note
Before attempting to write the answers to the question, it is recommended that you read the passage without trying to insert any words, to get a sense of the time involved. This applies to whether the time is in the present, past, or future. You'd occasionally come across a clue in the passage that would help you figure out the sentence's tense.
For eg:
Rahul (play)__________________ here for a long time now.
Shreya (spoke)_____________about this for a long time now.
You'll notice that the word 'now' indicates that the timing is in the present tense in both statements, whereas the word 'long time' suggests that the timing is in the continuous tense. As a result, we can observe that the 'playing' and 'speaking' began earlier and is still going on now, as indicated by "now."
This indicates that the phrase is in the present perfect tense, and the correct verb form is "has been playing" or "has been speaking." As a result, you should look out for cues that will help you sense the timing and write your answer in the correct tense. Quite often, there will be more than one correct answer, as long as the tension sequence is maintained.
Solved Example
I found that my dog…………………… sick.
The robber confessed that he …………………………. (rob) the bank.
He was so shocked that he ……………………….. scarcely stand.
He said that I …………………………… a good student.
No one could understand how the prisoner ………………………….. (escape) from the prison.
Italy declared war that she ……………………….. (extend) her empire.
The essay is so difficult that I ……………………… not comprehend it.
His health________ (improve) since he left the city.
Answers
was
robbed
Could
was
escaped
might extend
Cannot
Has improved
FAQs on Sequence of Tenses Made Simple: Rules, Tips & Examples
1. What is the sequence of tenses in English grammar?
The sequence of tenses refers to the principle that the tense of a verb in a subordinate clause must be in logical agreement with the tense of the verb in the main clause. This rule ensures that the timing of actions described in a complex sentence is clear and makes sense. For example, if the main clause is in the past tense, the subordinate clause usually must also be in a past tense.
2. What is the most important rule for the sequence of tenses with examples?
The fundamental rule is: If the verb in the main clause is in the past tense, the verb in the subordinate clause must also be in a corresponding past tense. Here’s how it works:
- Example 1: She said (Past) that she was (Past) unwell.
- Example 2: He knew (Past) that he had made (Past Perfect) a mistake.
3. Why is following the sequence of tenses important for clear writing?
Following the sequence of tenses is crucial for establishing a clear and logical timeline of events for the reader. When tenses are mixed incorrectly, it can create confusion about when actions occurred relative to each other. Correct sequence ensures that the relationship between the main action and the subordinate action is unambiguous, making the writing more professional, coherent, and easy to understand.
4. Are there any exceptions to the main rule of sequence of tenses?
Yes, there are a few important exceptions. The rule that a past tense in the main clause requires a past tense in the subordinate clause is not followed in these cases:
- Universal Truths: When the subordinate clause states a universal truth or a scientific fact. For example: The teacher taught us that the Earth revolves around the Sun.
- Habitual Actions: If the subordinate clause describes a current habit. For example: He told me that he goes for a walk every morning.
- Comparisons: When using 'than' for comparison. For example: He loved you more than he loves me.
5. How does the sequence of tenses apply when the main clause is in the present or future tense?
When the verb in the main clause is in the present or future tense, there is more flexibility. The verb in the subordinate clause can be in any tense required to convey the intended meaning accurately. There is no strict rule to follow other than logic.
- Present Main Clause: He says that he will come. (Future subordinate)
- Present Main Clause: She thinks that she made a mistake. (Past subordinate)
- Future Main Clause: I will tell him that the meeting is cancelled. (Present subordinate)
6. What are some common mistakes to avoid when using the sequence of tenses?
A common mistake is incorrectly using a present or future tense in the subordinate clause when the main clause is in the past tense. For instance:
- Incorrect: He promised that he will help me.
- Correct: He promised that he would help me.
- Incorrect: I realised that I left my keys at home.
- Correct: I realised that I had left my keys at home.
7. How does the concept of sequence of tenses relate to reported speech?
The sequence of tenses is a foundational concept in reported (or indirect) speech. When you change a sentence from direct to indirect speech and the reporting verb (e.g., said, told, asked) is in the past tense, you must shift the tenses of the original statement back. For example, a simple present becomes a simple past, and a present perfect becomes a past perfect. This 'backshifting' of tenses is a direct application of the sequence of tenses rules.

















