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BlackBlitz Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Verb Tense Sequence!. Help please.?

Verb Tense Sequence!. Help please.?
"As long as the main clause's verb is in neither the past nor the past perfect tense, the verb of the subordinate clause can be in any tense that conveys meaning accurately. When the main clause verb is in the past or past perfect, however, the verb in the subordinate clause must be in the past or past perfect."

What do they mean, "convey meaning accurately".

And can someone explain to me why "past and past perfect" subordinate clause tenses have to be that if their main clause is as well.

Here's a sentence.

"I want to go to the mall before it closes/closed"

"I want to go the mall after it closes/closed"

Mhmm, I know the present tense sounds better in the sub. clause. But why? Please and thanks!
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Top answer

Hi, Verb Tense Sequence!. Help please.? "As long as the main clause's verb is in neither the past nor the past perfect tense, the verb of the subordinate clause can be in any tense that conveys meaning accurately.

  • Hi, Verb Tense Sequence!.
  • Help please.?
  • "As long as the main clause's verb is in neither the past nor the past perfect tense, the verb of the subordinate clause can be in any tense that conveys meaning accurately.
  • " I don't agree with this paragaraph as it is written.
  • It needs more explanation.
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2 Answers
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Hi,

Verb Tense Sequence!. Help please.?
"As long as the main clause's verb is in neither the past nor the past perfect tense, the verb of the subordinate clause can be in any tense that conveys meaning accurately. When the main clause verb is in the past or past perfect, however, the verb in the subordinate clause must be in the past or past perfect."


I don't agree w
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BlackBlitz"As long as the main clause's verb is in neither the past nor the past perfect tense, the verb of the subordinate clause can be in any tense that conveys meaning accurately. When the main clause verb is in the past or past perfect, however, the verb in the subordinate clause must be in the past or past perfect."

What do they mean, "convey

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