Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The correct usage of tenses is fundamental to clear and effective communication in English. 'Sequences of Tenses' refers to the rules governing the relationship between different verb tenses within a sentence or a series of sentences. These rules ensure logical consistency and accurate representation of time relationships. The given sentence, "Newton discovered that the force of gravitation made apples fall," presents a scenario involving a past discovery and its resulting effect. Understanding the interplay of past tenses is key to analyzing its grammatical correctness.
Understanding the Sentence Structure
The sentence comprises two clauses connected by the conjunction 'that'. The first clause, "Newton discovered," is in the Simple Past Tense, indicating a completed action in the past. The second clause, "the force of gravitation made apples fall," also appears to be in the Simple Past Tense. However, a closer examination reveals a subtle nuance regarding the sequence of tenses.
The Rule of Sequence of Tenses
Generally, when the reporting verb (in this case, 'discovered') is in the past tense, the tense of the reported speech (the clause beginning with 'that') should also be in a past tense. However, there are exceptions to this rule, particularly when the reported speech expresses a universal truth or a factual statement that remains valid even after the reporting verb's time frame.
Analysis of the Given Sentence
The statement "the force of gravitation made apples fall" describes a scientific principle – a universal truth discovered by Newton. It isn't merely a past event; it's a statement about how gravity *always* works. Therefore, while the discovery itself happened in the past (hence 'discovered' in the Simple Past), the effect of gravity is timeless. Using the past tense 'made fall' is grammatically correct because it reflects the understanding *at the time of the discovery*. It doesn't imply that apples stopped falling after Newton's discovery.
Alternative Tense Considerations
One might consider using the present tense in the subordinate clause to emphasize the continuing validity of the principle. For example, "Newton discovered that the force of gravitation makes apples fall." While not incorrect, this phrasing subtly shifts the focus from Newton's historical discovery to the present-day operation of gravity. The original sentence, with its consistent use of the past tense, more accurately reflects the context of the discovery itself.
Illustrative Examples
- Correct: The teacher explained that the Earth revolves around the Sun. (Reporting verb in past, factual statement in past)
- Correct: She said that she was feeling unwell. (Reporting verb in past, past continuous for ongoing feeling)
- Correct: He knew that honesty is the best policy. (Reporting verb in past, universal truth in present)
- Incorrect: I thought he will come. (Should be: I thought he would come – past tense after past tense reporting verb)
Common Errors in Sequence of Tenses
A frequent error is failing to adjust the tense of the subordinate clause when the reporting verb is in the past. For instance, saying "I thought he is coming" instead of "I thought he was coming" is a common mistake. Another error is inappropriately using the present tense when a past tense is required to maintain consistency.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the sentence "Newton discovered that the force of gravitation made apples fall" is grammatically sound due to the correct application of the sequence of tenses. The use of the past tense in both clauses accurately conveys the historical context of the discovery while acknowledging the timeless nature of the scientific principle involved. Understanding these nuances is crucial for precise and effective communication in English.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.