sequenceoftenses

The sequence of tenses is a principle in English grammar that governs how the tense of a verb in a subordinate clause is determined by the tense of the verb in the main clause. It is most evident in reported speech and in clauses embedded after verbs of saying, thinking, or perceiving, where the timing of events relative to the act of speaking matters.

When the main clause is in the past, the tense of the subordinate clause typically shifts back one step. For example, present becomes past, present perfect becomes past perfect, and past becomes past perfect. Modals also shift: will and shall become would and should; can becomes could; may becomes might; must often becomes had to. If the main clause is in the present or future, the subordinate clause usually retains its original tense (no backshift).

Examples: She said, "I am hungry" -> She said that she was hungry. He said, "I have finished" -> He said that he had finished. They will go tomorrow -> They said they would go tomorrow. It is raining -> It was raining.

Notes: The sequence of tenses is a guide rather than a strict rule. In contemporary writing, backshifting is often avoided when the time of the assertion remains current, when reporting is in a present context, or in places where the truth of the proposition is unaffected by time. Different languages and registers may diverge from these patterns.