SENTENCES WITH DOUBLE CLAUSES

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.