GRAMMAR REFERENCE GUIDE - Homestead

Grammar ReferencePage 16Sequence of TensesThe tense of the main verb in a sentence determines the tense of the subjunctive in thesubordinate clause.PRIMARY SEQUENCE: Main verb is present, future or future perfectSECONDARY SEQUENCE: Main verb is a PAST TENSE - imperfect, perfect or pluperfectThe tense of the subjunctive in a sentence illustrates time relative to the main verb.Subordinate clause action can happen at the same time as the main verb or before the main verbThis SEQUENCE OF TENSES CHART shows theSUBJUNCTIVE TENSESPRIMARYSEQUENCESECONDARYSEQUENCESAME TIME PRESENT IMPERFECTBEFORE PERFECT PLUPERFECTNOTE: Sometimes a perfect subjunctive is used to show absolute completion of an action insecondary sequence.