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In subjunctive constructions, both in Latin and English, a system of sequence of tenses exists when a speaker or writer proceeds from a main clause into a subordinate clause.
Latin has two sequences:
Secondary/Historical
A primary tense main verb is followed by a primary tense subjunctive subordinate verb
| Sequence | Main verb | Subordinate Subjunctive |
| Primary |
present |
present (time same/time contemporary)
|
|
future |
||
| *perfect* | perfect (time prior/time after) | |
| future perfect |
A secondary tense main verb is followed by a secondary tense subjunctive subordinate verb.
| Secondary/ Historical |
imperfect |
imperfect
(time same/time contemporary)
|
| *perfect* | ||
| pluperfect | pluperfect (time prior/time after) |
*Note that the perfect tense may be considered a tense in primary sequence (a present perfect: I have done this) or a secondary tense (a simple past: I did this).
Examples: Primary sequence
videō quid faciās - I see what you are doing
vidēbō quid faciās - I shall see what you are doing
vīderō quid faciās - I shall have seen what you are doing
vīdī quid faciās - I have seen what you are doing.
videō quid fēcerīs - I see what you have done.
vidēbō quid fēcerīs - I shall see what you have done.
vīderō quid fēcerīs - I shall have seen what you have done.
vīdī quid fēcerīs - I have seen what you have done.
Examples: Secondary sequence
vidēbam quid facerēs - I saw what you were doing.
vīdī quid facerēs - I saw what you were doing.
vīderam quid facerēs - I had seen what you were doing.
vidēbam quid fēcissē - I saw what you had done.
vīdī quid fēcissē - I saw what you had done.
vīderam quid fēcissē - I had seen what you had done.
Jerard White, Magister Linguae Latinae
last updated Saturday, August 21 2004