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Gori Posted 19 years ago
Grammar
Sequence of tenses (#2)
Dear professional grammar teachers,
Please, please tell me which of the following tenses (present or past) I should use in formal writing in English. I have been checking many grammar articles about "sequence of tenses (reported speech)" though, I am still confused somehow because I often see many articles in English not following the sequence of tenses. In my understanding, I believe that I should keep the verb of the subordinate clause "present"
1) when the subordinate clause is talking about a general truth and
2) when the fact stated in the subordinate clause is still in progress (continuing).
Examples:
A) He said that he will continue the research as soon as he returns.
B) He said that he would continue the research as soon as he returned.
In the above B), it follows the sequence of tenses. However, in A), it is not, and I sometimes see this kind of sentence in newspaper articles.
Please tell me which of the sentences (case "A" or "B") native speakers would recommend me to use.
Please, please tell me which of the following tenses (present or past) I should use in formal writing in English. I have been checking many grammar articles about "sequence of tenses (reported speech)" though, I am still confused somehow because I often see many articles in English not following the sequence of tenses. In my understanding, I believe that I should keep the verb of the subordinate clause "present"
1) when the subordinate clause is talking about a general truth and
2) when the fact stated in the subordinate clause is still in progress (continuing).
Examples:
A) He said that he will continue the research as soon as he returns.
B) He said that he would continue the research as soon as he returned.
In the above B), it follows the sequence of tenses. However, in A), it is not, and I sometimes see this kind of sentence in newspaper articles.
Please tell me which of the sentences (case "A" or "B") native speakers would recommend me to use.
Top answer
Gori Examples: A) He said that he will continue the research as soon as he returns. B) He said that he would continue the research as soon as he returned. Both are grammatically correct.
- Gori Examples: A) He said that he will continue the research as soon as he returns.
- B) He said that he would continue the research as soon as he returned.
- Both are grammatically correct.
- The other verbs in sentence B are consistent with the verb 'said', a past tense verb.
- " The teacher said that the world was round.
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6 Answers
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GoriExamples:
A) He said that he will continue the research as soon as he returns.
B) He said that he would continue the research as soon as he returned.
Both are grammatically correct.
The other verbs in sentence B are consistent with the verb 'said', a past tense verb.
The teacher said, "The world is round."
The teacher said
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In daily speech there is no need to follow the sequence of the tenses especially while u are chatting with somebody.But of coruse if you use it in formal language be careful about the sequence of the sentence.In fact try to be always grammatical:D
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Thank you for your advice.
So, do you mean that both examples are correct and I do have a choice to follow the rules of the sequence of tenses both in writing and speaking if the fact stated in the subordinate clauses still hold the truth (=continuing situation) at the time of the speech? However, in formal writing, what you recommend me is to make the verbs in the subordinate clauses past/p
So, do you mean that both examples are correct and I do have a choice to follow the rules of the sequence of tenses both in writing and speaking if the fact stated in the subordinate clauses still hold the truth (=continuing situation) at the time of the speech? However, in formal writing, what you recommend me is to make the verbs in the subordinate clauses past/p
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Both sentences are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. I have changed the 'he' in the example sentence to John to help eliminate confusion in my answer:
A) John said that he will continue the research as soon as he returns.
means that at the time the author wrote the statement, John has definitely not yet returned, but when he does, he will c
A) John said that he will continue the research as soon as he returns.
means that at the time the author wrote the statement, John has definitely not yet returned, but when he does, he will c
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Thank you for all your comments and advice.
You have helped me a lot in deeping the understanding on this matter.
You have helped me a lot in deeping the understanding on this matter.
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