Present tense after past tense

Question

''Some leisure activities that were popular in the past (such as playing the piano) are less popular today because of developments in technology.''

Is there any mistake with the text above?
I am wondering, can we use present tense after past tense?

I understand that when we are talking about universal truth, we can use present tense after past tense.
Example : The teacher told us that honesty is the best policy.

But what about my text above? Is there any grammar mistake?

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

jasonkhlimIs there any mistake with the text above?

I see none.

jasonkhlimI am wondering, can we use present tense after past tense?

Sure, if the sentence structure and meaning legislate for it: I ate sushi last night, I'm eating sushi now, I'll eat sushi tomorrow, and in fact I eat sushi every day.

jasonkhlimI understand that when we are talking about universal truth, we can use present tense after past tense.Example : The teacher told us that honesty is the best policy.

That is true of the specific structure of complex sentences; your original is not of that structure, so the rule is inapplicable to your present inquiry.

Philip · Answer

Your original sentence is correct.  The intervening relative clause has nothing to do with the subject/verb (activities/are) relationship.

Present tense after past tense

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