Complete the following sentences using an appropriate tense form.
1. Suddenly we noticed that the clock ………………
A past tense in the principal clause should be followed by a past tense in the subordinate clause.
2. I never thought that I ………………… see him again.
Would is the past tense of will. A past tense in the principal clause should be followed by a past tense in the subordinate clause.
3. The woman led me to her hut and …………….. me to remain there for the night.
A past tense in the principal clause should be followed by a past tense in the subordinate clause.
4. We …………….. higher so that we might get a better view of the procession.
The past tense in the subordinate clause clearly indicates that the main verb is in the past tense.
5. Euclid proved that the three angles of a triangle …………….. equal to two right angles.
A past tense in the main clause may be followed by a present tense in the subordinate clause when the subordinate clause expresses a universal truth.
6. I will nurse him so that he …………….. live.
When the verb in the principal clause is in the present or future, we use a present tense in the subordinate clause to indicate purpose.
7. I will call you when I …………….
When the verb in the principal clause is in the present or future, we use a present tense in the subordinate clause to indicate purpose.
8. He went to the city so that he …………… find work.
Might is the past tense form of may. A past tense in the main clause is usually followed by a past tense in the subordinate clause.
9. Wherever he preached, people ……………….. to listen.
10. The thieves stole whatever they ……………… find in the house.
A past tense in the principal clause should be followed by a past tense in the subordinate clause.
11. He came oftener than we ……………… him to.
A past tense in the principal clause should be followed by a past tense in the subordinate clause.
12. He stayed at home because he ……………. feeling ill.
A past tense in the principal clause should be followed by a past tense in the subordinate clause.
Answers
1. Suddenly we noticed that the clock had stopped.
2. I never thought that I would see him again.
3. The woman led me to her hut and told me to remain there for the night.
4. We climbed higher that we might get a better view of the procession.
5. Euclid proved that the three angles of a triangle are equal to two right angles.
6. I will nurse him so that he may live.
7. I will call you when I arrive.
8. He went to the city so that he might find work.
9. Wherever he preached, people gathered to listen.
10. The thieves stole whatever they could find in the house.
11. He came oftener than we expected him to.
12. He stayed at home because he was feeling ill.
