Tenses in subordinate clauses

ESL students often have difficulty using tenses correctly in subordinate clauses. I hope that this lesson will help you understand the basic rules of sequence of tenses. The sentences given below demonstrate the correct relationship of tenses between clauses.

When the main clause is in the simple present tense

When the main clause is in the simple present tense, use a simple present tense in the subordinate clause to show same-time action.

• When you heat ice it melts.
• I want to go back because I miss my parents.
• When I am late my father takes me to school.
• My mom gets angry when I don’t eat breakfast.

When the main clause is in the simple present tense, use a past tense in the subordinate clause to talk about something that happened earlier.

• I understand that I was wrong.
• I know that I made a mistake.
• I admit that I didn’t do the right thing.
• I believe that we backed the wrong candidate.

When the main clause is in the simple present tense, use a simple future tense in the subordinate clause to talk about something that is yet to happen in the future.

• The reserve bank governor says that he will reduce interest rates.
• The police inspector says that he will investigate the case.

When the main clause is in the simple past tense

When the main clause is in the simple past tense, use the past tense in the subordinate clause to talk about another completed past action.

• I went home because I was not feeling well.
• She worked hard because she wanted to pass the test.
• I helped her because I liked her.

When the main clause is in the simple past tense, use a past perfect tense in the subordinate clause to talk about an earlier past action.

• The patient died before the doctor had arrived.
• She knew that she had made a mistake.