Sequences of Tenses: Understand the correct sequence of tenses during indirect speech and complex sentence structures.
In Portuguese, as in many other languages, the sequence of tenses is crucial to convey the correct meaning in indirect speech and complex sentence structures. It ensures proper tense agreement between the main clause and the subordinate clause or reported speech. Let's dive into the rules and examples to master this concept.
- Indirect Speech
In indirect speech, the speaker reports someone else's words or thoughts, usually using a verb of saying or thinking. The tense of the verb changes according to the rules of sequence of tenses. Here's the breakdown:
a. Present to Past:
When the reported speech is in the present tense, the tense in the main clause moves one step into the past.
Example:
Direct Speech: "Eu estou cansado." (I am tired.) Indirect Speech: Ele disse que estava cansado. (He said that he was tired.)
b. Past to Past Perfect:
When the reported speech is in the past tense, the tense in the main clause changes to the past perfect.
Example:
Direct Speech: "Eu estudei português." (I studied Portuguese.) Indirect Speech: Ele disse que tinha estudado português. (He said that he had studied Portuguese.)
c. Future to Conditional:
When the reported speech is in the future tense, the tense in the main clause changes to the conditional tense.
Example:
Direct Speech: "Eu vou viajar amanhã." (I will travel tomorrow.) Indirect Speech: Ele disse que viajaria amanhã. (He said that he would travel tomorrow.)
- Complex Sentence Structures
When forming complex sentence structures, it's important to maintain the proper sequence of tenses. This occurs when a subordinate clause is introduced by conjunctions such as "quando" (when), "se" (if), or "assim que" (as soon as). The tense usage in the main clause depends on the tense used in the subordinate clause. Let's look at some examples:
a. Present Indicative in the Subordinate Clause:
If the action or event in the subordinate clause is in the present tense, the main clause can use either the present indicative or the future indicative.
Example:
Subordinate Clause: Quando eu chego em casa, descanso. (When I arrive home, I rest.) Main Clause (Present Indicative): Eu descanso quando chego em casa. (I rest when I arrive home.) Main Clause (Future Indicative): Eu descansarei quando chegar em casa. (I will rest when I arrive home.)
b. Imperfect Subjunctive in the Subordinate Clause:
If the action or event in the subordinate clause is in the imperfect subjunctive, the main clause must use either the imperfect indicative or the conditional.
Example:
Subordinate Clause: Se eu ganhasse na loteria, viajaria pelo mundo. (If I won the lottery, I would travel the world.) Main Clause (Imperfect Indicative): Eu viajava pelo mundo se ganhasse na loteria. (I used to travel the world if I won the lottery.) Main Clause (Conditional): Eu viajaria pelo mundo se ganhasse na loteria. (I would travel the world if I won the lottery.)
Remember, maintaining the correct sequence of tenses is essential for clear and accurate communication in Portuguese. By mastering this concept, you'll be able to navigate through indirect speech and complex sentence structures with confidence. Keep practicing and applying these rules to enhance your language skills. Obrigado(a) pela leitura! (Thank you for reading!)