THE SEQUENCE OF TENSES IN THE INDICATIVE MOOD

Main Clause Subordinate Clause

RULE I PRESENT

PRESENT PERFECT ANY TENSE

IMPERATIVE

e.g. We know that[1] they are here (now).

they have been here (up to now/

lately).

they were here yesterday.

they had called before they left.

they will be here tomorrow.

RULE II PAST PAST PERFECT

they had been there.

e.g. We knew that PAST (simultaneous action)

they were there

FUTURE-IN-THE–PAST

(subsequent action)

they would be there.

RULE III FUTURE when[2] No SHALL / SHOULD or WILL /

if [3] WOULD, except with a modal

meaning

PRESENT (simultaneous action)

we go out.

when

e.g. We’ll call on you if

PRESENT PERFECT

(previous action)

we have found out the results.

[1] Direct object clause (Completivă directă)

[2] Time clause (Subordonată de timp)

[3] “If” clause (Subordonată condiţională)