English Class Tense Sequence Tense sequence demands that a logical time relationship be shown by the verbs in a sentence.

. In most cases this means that we use tenses to indicate accurate time relationships. However, there are a few exceptions. 1. Use the present tense for express a timeless universal truth or a customary happening. Examples: I wonder who first discovered that the sun rises in the east. (this is a universal truth) Joe said that the class begins at 10:30. (this is a customary happening) 2. Use the present tense of an infinitive or the present participle if the action it expresses occurs at the same time as that of the governing verb. Examples: Yesterday I really wanted to go. (At that past time I wanted to do something then not at a time prior to yesterday.) Skipping along, she hummed a merry tune. (The skipping and humming occur at the same time.) 3. When necessary for clarity, indicate time differences by using different tenses. Incorrect: I told him that I finished the work just an hour before. Correct: I told that I had finished the work just an hour before. Incorrect: Making my reservations, I am packing to go to Cape Cod. Correct: Having made my reservations, I am packing to go to Cape Cod. Exercises In the blank write the correct form of the verb that appears in parentheses. 1. The meeting of the planning committee (take) much longer than she had anticipated. ________________________ 2. (put) on his bathing suit, George hurried to the pool. ________________________ 3. It (use) to come before I had time to make the coffee. ________________________ 4. Each morning after three of the children (raise) the flag, the school day officially began. ________________________ 5. The state trooper pressed down on his accelerator and (speed) after the long, sleek sports car. ________________________ 6. The physical therapist said that the hospital's exercise program (begin) at five in the morning, even on weekends. ________________________ 7. Because my cousin (grow) tired of commuting, she has asked to be transferred to a branch bank. ________________________ 8. Having arrived late at the station, the boys (run) the length of the platform to catch the train. ________________________

2011 Laura Glassel lizzietutoring.blogspot.com