Careful and accurate use of tenses is important to clear writing. Even the simplest narrative describes actions that take place at different times; when you use the appropriate tense for each action, readers can follow such time changes easily.

By the time he offered her the money, she had declared bankruptcy.

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Infinitives in sequences

Use the infinitive of a verb—to plus the base form (to go, to be)—to indicate actions occurring at the same time as or later than the action of the main verb in the clause.

The child waved to greet the passing trains.

The waving and the greeting occurred at the same time in the past.

Each couple hopes to win the dance contest.

The hoping is present; the winning is in the future.

Use to have plus the past participle (to have asked) to indicate that an action occurred before the action of the main verb.

He appeared to have left his wallet at home.

The leaving of the wallet took place before the appearing.

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Participles in sequences

Use the present participle (the base form plus -ing) to indicate actions occurring at the same time as the action of the main verb.

Seeking to relieve unemployment, Roosevelt established several public-works programs.

Use having plus the past participle to indicate action occurring before that of the main verb.

Having changed his mind, he voted against the proposal.

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Habitual actions in sequences

In conversation, people often use will or would to describe habitual actions. In writing, however, stick to the present and past tenses for this purpose.

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Quick Help: Editing verb tenses