Coordination of times in English: difficult to remember, but possible!

When learning English is necessarytake into account that, unlike Russian, where the verb has only 3 tense - past, present and future, the verbs of the English language have 16 types of tense forms. And it is not at all accidental, because the various shades of action in the Russian language can also be expressed by other verbal forms, such as the verbal adverb and the participle.

Следует отметить, что наличие большого количества At times, the English language does not simplify the process of learning at all and often leads to deep depression not only of students, but of the teachers themselves. Imagine - the teacher explains the difference between the verb in the past simple, long and perfect tenses when they are translated into Russian in exactly the same way!

Of course, you can express your thoughts and opinionsmonosyllabic and primitive, using, for example, only a simple indefinite time. However, in order to freely express, understand and “feel” English, the alignment of tenses, the table will be one of the most necessary tools that will help orient and correctly construct a sentence. This option is used most often. It is necessary for clarity and better assimilation. Indeed, the alignment of tenses in the English language is much easier to understand if everything important is graphically highlighted and arranged accordingly. This method will help to understand this difficult topic for both beginners and professionals.

Essentially, the timing is in English -it is the substitution of the present tense verb in the clause of the sentence with the corresponding form of past tense. This is done if there is a past tense in the main part (see examples). But all verb forms remain unchanged when in the main part the present or future tense. Thus, the table of times can be an indispensable tool for learners and practitioners of the English language. Make it, and it will be useful to you more than once!

It is important to remember that when translating complex,complex sentences, as well as indirect speech from Russian, it is necessary to follow the logical sequence and coordination of tenses in the English language. In Russian, in the same sentence, it is appropriate and grammatically correct to combine both the present and the past, and the future of time. For example:

I wonder (the present) whether Anna (past) knew about what would happen tomorrow (the future).

In English with literal translation withoutcoordination instead of a clear and intelligible sentence you get a motley and even funny "mess" from the set of words. Compare how two students translated this sentence, one (1) of whom relied on their imaginary knowledge and did not take into account the rules of the English language, and the other (2), not being confident in grammar, used the table of times.

1. I’m interested in what I’m like (Future Simple) tomorrow. (Wrong, read it again, it sounds clumsily to the ear.)

2. I wondered if I knew (Past Simple) the next day. (That's right - read in one breath.)

These simple examples show thatcoordination of tenses in English is a mandatory section in the learning process. And the knowledge of these rules and competent application in English speech will open for you wide boundaries for communication with foreigners.