Narrative Tenses
What Is It?
Narrative Tenses refers to tense combinations used to sequence past events in stories and reports.
C1-C2 reference topic in Sentence Structure.
Why Use It?
- Order background, main events, and earlier events.
- Write coherent anecdotes and case studies.
- Shift focus between action and state.
Formation and Patterns
| Use | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Main event | past simple | The lesson began at six. |
| Background | past continuous | I was reviewing notes. |
| Earlier past | past perfect | I had prepared questions. |
Common Mistakes
- Using past perfect for every past event.
- Switching tenses without a timeline reason.
- Ignoring time markers that already make order clear.
Exceptions & Nuances
- Would and used to add habitual past background in narratives.