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Common Error in Tense

   Errors In The use Of Tenses

The changed forms of a verb that indicate time of the action are called tenses of the verb.

(1) When the verb in the Principal Clause is in the Past tense, the verbs of the Subordinate
      Clauses should be in the Past tense.

     Examples :- He said that he had finished his work.
                       I was informed that her mother was ill.
(2) But a Past tense in the Principal Clause may or may not be followed by the Past tense
     in the subordinate clause if the latter expresses universal or habitual truth.

     Examples :- The teacher said that the earth revolves round the sun.
                        My brother told me that smoking is injurious to health.
(3) Any tense may be used in the subordinate clause if it gives a comparison by using the word than.

   Examples :- He respected you more than he respects his uncle.
                     The teacher liked Anil better than he liked me.
(4) Any tense can be used when the subordinate clause is in a quotation.

 Examples :- she said, "He will goto Madras tomorrow".
                    I said, " I am going to Delhi today".
(5) The Present Perfect Tense (subject + has/have + V3) can not be used when an expressin of
      Past  time ( yesteray, last night, ago etc.) is used.

      Examples :- We wrote to you yesterday about his mother.
                         I finished my letter last night.
(6) In conditional sentences the subordinate clause, beginning with if, is generally is Present or Past
      tense but not in future tense.

       Examples :- If i go to Delhi, I shall see the Red Fort.
                          If he had work hard, he would have passed.  

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