If the verb in the main clause is in a past tense, the verb in the subordinate clause and must be in one of the last times. Use the following scheme:

The time required to sense and situation (direct speech)	Present Indefinite	Present Continuous	Рresent Perfect	Раst IndeInde	Раst Perfect	Future Indefinite
Time actually-used in the subordinate clause (in indirect speech)	Past Indefinite	Past Соntinuous	Раst Pеrfect	Рast Perfect	Past Perfect	Future Indefinite-in-the-Раst

In such cases, there are three main options: 1. The action of the subordinate clause occurs simultaneously with the action of the main clause: in these cases, the verb in the subordinate clause is in the Simple Past or Past Continuous. (Simultaneously) For example: In such cases, there are three main options: 

1. The action of the subordinate clause occurs simultaneously with the action of the main clause: in these cases, the verb in the subordinate clause is in the Simple Past or Past Continuous. (Simultaneously) For example:

Я знал, что он ежедневно играет в теннис.

I knew (that) he played tennis every day.

Я знал, что он играет в теннис и мне не хотелось его беспокоить.

I knew (that) he was playing tennis and I didn't want to disturb him.

2. The action of the subordinate clause precedes the action of the main clause: in such cases in the subordinate clause is used Past Perfect. (Precedence) For example:

Я знал, что Билл ещё не успел прочесть моё письмо.

I knew (that) Bill had not time to read my letter.

3. The action of the subordinate clause refers to a future time, and the action of the main clause - to the past, if a similar situation in the subordinate clause is used the so-called future in the past Future in the Past. (Adherence) For example:

Я знал, что Билл придёт ко мне после 10 часов вечера.

I knew (that) Bill would come to see me after 10 P.M.

It should be borne in mind that the modal verbs can and may have in the past tense forms: could, might. Past form called modal verbs should be used in the predicate of the subordinate clause, if the verb in the main clause as in the past tense. For example:

Он сказал, что не может прийти на вечеринку.

He said (that) he could not promise to come to the party.

Complied with the rules of tenses in subordinate additional proposals, including those in the indirect speech. In attributive, comparative, causal and other subordinate clauses, they do not work.

Jim says (that)	it is interesting (now). it was interesting (yesterday). it will be interesting (tomorrow).
Jim said (that)	it was interesting (now). it had been interesting (yesterday). it would be interesting (tomorrow).

Ex.5.Fill in the blanks using appropriate verb forms. Observe the rule of the sequence of tenses.

1. I found that my son …………………… awake.

2. The pickpocket confessed that he …………………………. (pick) my pocket.

3. He was so tired that he ……………………….. scarcely stand.

4. He said that I …………………………… a lazy good-for-nothing boy.

5. No one could explain how the prisoner ………………………….. (escape) from the prison.

6. Euclid proved that the three angles of a triangle ………………………… equal to two right angles.

7. Italy went to war that she ……………………….. (extend) her empire.

8. The passage is so difficult that I ……………………… not comprehend it.

9. The boy was so indolent that he ……………………….. not pass.

10. In my perplexity I requested my guide to tell me what I ……………………….. to do.

Задания на СРО:

Do grammar ex. 286-291 on pp. 63-64. (Голицынский Ю.Б. Грамматика английского языка. Санкт Петербург, 2003)