Sequence of Tenses
By ExamAtlas · 8/29/2026
Sequence of Tenses
Sequence of tenses is the rule that governs the verb in a subordinate clause once the tense of the main clause is fixed. It is tested constantly in error-spotting and narration questions.
Rule 1 — Past main clause takes a past subordinate clause
- He said that he was unwell.
- She told me that she had finished the chapter.
Rule 2 — Universal truths stay in the present
Even after a past main verb, a permanent truth keeps its present tense.
- The teacher told us that the earth revolves round the sun.
Rule 3 — Comparison with 'than' is free
- He worked harder than his brother does.
Rule 4 — After 'wish', 'as if', 'as though', 'it is time'
These take an unreal past, and were is used for all persons.
- I wish I were a little taller.
- He talks as if he knew everything.
- It is time we started the revision.
Rule 5 — Conditional sentences
| Type | If-clause | Main clause | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero (fact) | simple present | simple present | If you heat ice, it melts. |
| First (likely) | simple present | will + V1 | If you revise, you will pass. |
| Second (unreal now) | simple past | would + V1 | If I had time, I would help you. |
| Third (unreal past) | past perfect | would have + V3 | If she had applied, she would have got the post. |
Exam pointer: Never put will or would inside the if-clause. ✗ If he will come, I will go. ✓ If he comes, I will go.