Sequence of Verb Tenses

[aysaa]

Hello,

Sequence of Verb Tenses

To state a general truth, use the present tense: The Deists believed that the universe is like a giant clock.

Can we include 'be able to' in this category? Such as:

Finally, the coach realized that I am not able to lift the barbell too heavy.

Thsnks...

 

[aysaa]

I have one more question about that.

I think 'present perfect' is a little bit different while using such sentences.

For example:

The coach has just realized that I won't be able to lift the barbell too heavy.

I have just learnt that you left a voice message to me yesterday.​

 

[emsr2d2]

Hello,

Sequence of Verb Tenses

To state a general truth, use the present tense: The Deists believed that the universe is like a giant clock.\
How does that statement use the present tense? You used "believed". That's not the present tense. The "is" part is not relevant. To state that as a general truth, it would be "Deists believe that the universe ..."

Can we include 'be able to' in this category? Such as:

Finally, the coach realized that I am not able to lift the barbell too heavy.
The part about the coach is not the part which is a statement of a general truth. If the coach's realisation happened in the past then "the coach realised" is correct. If the general truth is that you can't lift the barbell, then "I am not able to lift the barbell because it is too heavy" is correct.

Thanks...

See above.

 

[aysaa]

I have already told the reader that there were 2 strong staples fixed upon that side of my box which had no window....


Could you please tell me the second side of the sentence may be future tense or can or may? Could you give an example?

Subject + present perfect +that + subject + (will - be going to V - can- may...) ?

 

[bhaisahab]

I have already told the reader that there were 2 strong staples fixed upon that side of my box which had no window....


Could you please tell me the second side of the sentence may be future tense or can or may? Could you give an example?

Subject + present perfect +that + subject + (will - be going to V - can- may...) ?

I have already told the reader that there were/will be/are going to be/can be/may be 2 strong staples fixed upon that side of my box which has no window....
All of the above are possible with "has", not "had".

 

[emsr2d2]

I have already told the reader that there were 2 strong staples fixed upon that side of my box which had no window....


Could you please tell me the second side of the sentence may be future tense or can or may? Could you give an example?

Subject + present perfect +that + subject + (will - be going to V - can- may...) ?

Could you tell me what any of this has to do with your original question about the Deists and the barbell? Did my reply vanish into the ether? Did you read it? Did it not make sense?

 

[aysaa]

I have found that sentence in this page. Please check it out if you wish.

Sequence of Verb Tenses

 

[aysaa]

Mr. Bhaisahab, so many thanks...

Last question about it.

George: I am going to London next year, and I am not coming back!
Jessica: I don't care about it. I have already known that you are going to London next year again. You are always telling the same story!

Is the sentence fine?

 

[bhaisahab]

I have found that sentence in this page. Please check it out if you wish.

Sequence of Verb Tenses

It's wrong, perhaps it's a typo.

 

[bhaisahab]

Mr. Bhaisahab, so many thanks...

Last question about it.

George: I am going to London next year, and I am not coming back!
Jessica: I don't care about it. I have already known that you are going to London next year again. You are always telling the same story!

Is the sentence fine?

The first one is fine, (George's statement). The second one is incorrect.

 

[aysaa]

I see, but I always see these forms in the internet sites such as:

Learn English online - English Grammar - Sequence of Tenses
http://www.corollarytheorems.com/Grammar/tenses.htm
http://neoenglishsystem.blogspot.com/2011/03/english-sequence-of-tenses.html

Exceptions: A Past Tense in the Principal clause is followed by a Present Indefinite Tense in the Subordinate Clause when there is a Universal Truth, Habitual fact. Geographical Truth etc.:

Copernicus proved (main clause) that the earth moves round the sun (subordinate clause).​

We have decided that you will never fit environment.


Please tell me if they are fine ok not...

 

[5jj]

It’s a complex issue, not made easier by websites that suggest there is a clear set of rules for the so-called ‘sequence of tenses’

Let’s look at two of the points.


To state a general truth, use the present tense: The Deists believed that the universe is like a giant clock.


The use of ‘believed’, past tense, suggests that the person who created this sentence may not believe that the universe is like a giant clock (i.e this is not a universal truth). That is why the sentence is much more likely to be: The Deists believed that the universe was like a giant clock. Of course, if there are still Deists who believe this, then we can report this as: The Deists believe that the universe is like a giant clock. That, however, is not a universal truth but a astatement about a current situation.


Next point:

George: I am going to London next year, and I am not coming back!
Jessica: I don't care about it. I have already known that you are going to London next year again. You are always telling the same story!


This is faulty from the beginning. I have already known is unnatural. We’d say: I already know or I already knew.