Grammar Review: Sequence of Tenses

For several types of dependent subjunctive clauses, tense is based on a relationship to the introductory verb. For these clauses, Latin will use a rigid set of rules to determine what tense to use in the dependent clause. This set of rules is called The Sequence of Tenses.

Primary Sequence refers to an introductory verb in one of the non-past tenses (present, future, future perfect), while secondary sequence refers to verbs in one of the past tenses (perfect, pluperfect, future perfect). The subjunctive verb is also categorized as either being a completed action or an incomplete action - that distinction will make the final determination for what tense you are using.

The best way to understand this concept is to see it visually:

**The Sequence of Tenses**
Sequence	*Tense of Introductory* Verb**	*Tense of Subjunctive Dependent* Verb**
Primary Sequence	Present Future Future Perfect *Progressive Perfect	Incomplete uses Present tense Action at the same time or after introductory verb
Primary Sequence	Present Future Future Perfect *Progressive Perfect	Complete uses Perfect tense Action before the introductory verb
Secondary Sequence	Imperfect Simple Perfect Pluperfect *Historical Present	Incomplete uses Imperfect tense Action at the same time or after introductory verb
Secondary Sequence	Imperfect Simple Perfect Pluperfect *Historical Present	Complete uses Pluperfect tense Action before the introductory verb

*Nota bene: There are two introductory tenses that can crossover: present and perfect.

Progressive/Continuous Perfect: it is possible for the perfect tense to be used to express a continuing action, which therefore places the action as incomplete in the present: I have brought some peaches for us to eat. The bringing started in the past (perfect), but is an action that is affecting the present. This primary use is both optional and rare. For the most part, if you see the perfect tense, assume it is secondary sequence.
Historical Present: In prose, authors reporting on events in the past may use the present tense, even though they are describing past actions. This is called the historical present. The historical present is used in secondary sequence, because the action itself is past tense. The historical present is used with more frequency than the progressive perfect, so be on the lookout for this exception. Still, for the most part, if you see present tense, you can assume primary sequence.

Just remember: this is a framework that governs how tenses are used in subjunctive clauses, and the patterns are consistent. It is mostly useful for helping keep your analytical skills sharp: remembering this set of rules can help you parse what clause is being used and how to organize dependent clauses, especially if there are several linked together - something you should expect, since Latin authors tended to prefer longer sentences.

Practice Activity: Tense Practice Using Sequence of Tenses

Test your tense recognition skills below by identifying the correct sequence and status (incomplete/complete) based on the tense of the subjunctive verb.

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