Sequence of Tenses (Past)

Level 5

When the main verb of a sentence is in a past tense (Pretérito Perfeito, Imperfeito, Mais-que-perfeito, or Futuro do Pretérito), the dependent verb usually shifts into a past subjunctive form. However, if the action remains relevant to the present or future, a 'broken sequence' using the present subjunctive may occur.

How It Works

The Sequência de Tempos (Sequence of Tenses) is a syntactic rule that ensures temporal consistency. In Portuguese, if a main clause uses a past tense, the subordinate clause (which often requires the subjunctive) typically 'locks' into a past subjunctive form to maintain the narrative perspective.

1. The Triggers
The rule applies when the main verb is in the:

2. The Subordinate Tense Choice
Depending on when the second action happened relative to the first:

3. The 'Broken Sequence' (Concordância Psicológica)
While the past subjunctive is the standard narrative rule, you can use the present subjunctive if the action is still relevant or yet to happen. For example: O médico recomendou (past) que eu tome (present) os remédios todos os dias.

4. The 'Se' Clause Correlation
A primary application of this rule is the Condição Irreal (Presente). When using the Futuro do Pretérito to express a hypothetical result, the condition must use the imperfect subjunctive (e.g., Se eu tivesse dinheiro, compraria um carro).

Examples (5)

  1. Eu pedi que ele fizesse o jantar.

    I asked that he make dinner.

    Word by Word: I asked that he might-do the dinner.

    The main verb 'pedi' is in the Pretérito Perfeito, so the subordinate verb 'fazer' must shift to the Imperfeito do Subjuntivo (fizesse).

  2. Seria melhor que nós estudássemos mais.

    It would be better if we studied more.

    Word by Word: It-would-be better that we might-study more.

    The Conditional (seria) acts as a past tense for the sequence of tenses, triggering the Imperfeito do Subjuntivo (estudássemos).

  3. Não acreditei que eles já tivessem terminado.

    I didn't believe that they had already finished.

    Word by Word: Not I-believed that they already had finished.

    Because the finishing happened before the disbelief, we use the compound pluperfect subjunctive (tivessem terminado).

  4. Eu queria que você estivesse aqui ontem.

    I wanted you to be here yesterday.

    Word by Word: I wanted that you might-be here yesterday.

    The Imperfeito 'queria' triggers the Imperfeito do Subjuntivo 'estivesse' for a simultaneous past state.

  5. Duvidei que ela soubesse a verdade.

    I doubted that she knew the truth.

    Word by Word: I-doubted that she might-know the truth.

    A past doubt (duvidei) requires the past subjunctive (soubesse) to maintain the timeline.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the present subjunctive after a past-tense main verb.

    Eu quis que ele venha cedo.
    Eu quis que ele viesse cedo.

    Since 'quis' is past, 'venha' (present) creates a tense clash. You must use 'viesse' (past subjunctive).

  • Confusing the future subjunctive with the imperfect subjunctive in past hypotheticals.

    Se eu puder, eu faria isso agora.
    Se eu pudesse, eu faria isso agora.

    In a hypothetical 'if' clause paired with the conditional (faria), you must use the imperfect subjunctive (pudesse), not the future subjunctive (puder).

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

Sequence of Tenses (Past)Level 5

Learn This First

To learn the past sequence of tenses, a learner must first be comfortable with past tense indicative forms (to identify the trigger) and the imperfect subjunctive forms (to use in the subordinate clause). Familiarity with the general concept of tense harmony (sequence of tenses) in the present is also a vital stepping stone.