Sequence of Tenses
When a Latin subjunctive clause depends on a main verb, the tense of the subjunctive must match the tense of the main verb. This is called sequence of tenses. It applies to purpose clauses, result clauses, indirect commands, indirect questions, and temporal/causal/concessive clauses.
Primary and Secondary Sequence
Latin tenses divide into two groups. Primary tenses (present, future, future perfect) call for a primary subjunctive (present or perfect). Secondary tenses (imperfect, perfect, pluperfect) call for a secondary subjunctive (imperfect or pluperfect).
The choice between same-time and prior-action subjunctive depends on whether the subordinate action happens at the same time as or before the main verb.
| Main verb tense | Sequence | Subjunctive for same-time action | Subjunctive for prior action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Present | Primary | Present subjunctive | Perfect subjunctive |
| Future | Primary | Present subjunctive | Perfect subjunctive |
| Future perfect | Primary | Present subjunctive | Perfect subjunctive |
| Imperfect | Secondary | Imperfect subjunctive | Pluperfect subjunctive |
| Perfect | Secondary | Imperfect subjunctive | Pluperfect subjunctive |
| Pluperfect | Secondary | Imperfect subjunctive | Pluperfect subjunctive |
Examples
- Primary sequence (present main verb + purpose): venit ut rēgem videat. — He comes to see the king. (present subjunctive — same time as main verb)
- Secondary sequence (perfect main verb + purpose): vēnit ut rēgem vidēret. — He came to see the king. (imperfect subjunctive — follows secondary sequence after perfect)
- Secondary sequence (perfect main verb + indirect question, prior action): rogāvī quis id fēcisset. — I asked who had done it. (pluperfect subjunctive — the doing came before the asking)
Exam tip: A quick rule of thumb: if the main verb ends in -t or is present/future, you are in primary sequence (present or perfect subjunctive). If the main verb is past (any past tense), you are in secondary sequence (imperfect or pluperfect subjunctive).