SEQUENCE OF TENSES IN SENTENCES WITH DOUBLE CLAUSES
The tense of the first verb usually governs the tense of the second verb.
Notice that when the main part of the
sentence is in the past perfect, the second part is in the simple past.
Also remember that when the main part of the sentence
is in the future, the second part is in the present.
COMMON SEQUENCE OF TENSES IN SENTENCES WITH DOUBLE CLAUSES.
1 ) Present Present :
Examples :
-
I always read the paper while I wait for the bus.
- She
usually eats her breakfast while watching the TV.
2 ) Future Present :
Examples :
- We'll wait
here until he comes.
- She will
study till the bill rings.
3 ) Present
perfect Present perfect :
Examples :
- She has
learned a lot since she has been at the language school.
- The
students have studied so hard since they have been visited by the director.
4 ) Present
perfect simple past :
Examples :
- She has
been sick since she arrived.
- Betty has
learned many new words since she started school.
5 ) Simple
past simple past :
Examples :
- We waited
here until the mayor came.
- The boys
stood under the tree when it started to rain.
6 ) Past
perfect Simple past :
Examples :
- They had
just come when you left.
- She had
eaten her lunch when her friends knocked the door.
7 ) Past
progressive Simple past :
Examples :
- He was
taking a shower when the telephone rang.
- The
students were taking a test when the light went out.
8 ) Past
progressive Past progressive :
Examples :
- He was
taking a shower while eating an apple.
- We were
dancing the samba while the other group of friends were watching us.
