The Sequence of Tenses

Ex. 9. Use the proper form of the verb applying the Sequence of tenses rule.

1. I was explained that an individual (may, carry on) his business in his own name or in the name of a company.

2. He found out that there (be) three types of business structure - individual ownership, partnership and corporate ownership.

3. Statistics showed that only a minority of the population (work) in business for itself; most of them (employ) working for others.

4. Mr. Brandon understood that the will (must, be) the act of the testator expressing his wishes and his instruction and it freely (must, make) by him without domination, fraud or undue influence.

5. The lawyer told me that there (exist) many kinds of agreement made and each of them (differ) in its special features.

6. I knew that I (should, be) well prepared before we (reach) the point of negotiations.

7. The counsel said that once I (agree) to certain terms and provisions in the contract, I (bind) by them.

8. I knew that laws (may, vary) from state to state in the USA.

9. Did you know that the United State Constitution (vest) judicial power in the Supreme Court and interior courts which Congress (may) establish?

10. It was interesting to know that many courts in the USA (institute) arbitration and pre-trial procedures to settle and adjust cases before trial.

11. I saw that the plaintiff (give) the right to make his “opening statement” before the defendant (give) such a right.

12. Not long ago I learned that some states in the USA (reduce) the number of jurors from 12 to 6 in civil actions.

13. The US Constitution declares that no law (shall, pass) which (violate) the rights of the people against unreasonable searches and seizures.

14. A law which prohibited the sale of liquor (cannot, affect) those sales which (be) legal before the law (pass).

15. The higher court recognized that an error (make) and (return) the case to the lower court for a new trial.

16. He knew if he (fail) to convince the appellant court, the judgement of the lower court (affirm) and (compel) to comply with its decisions.

Ex. 10. Read the statements and the questions, then ask and answer the questions in reported speech, applying the Sequence of tenses rule.

1. “Everyone pays taxes of one kind or another in the USA.”

What did you say to them?

2. “Each state has established an unemployment insurance program with federal financial participation.”

What did you read in the newspaper?

3. “The US government has made great progress through legislation to promote business productivity and to achieve financial stability.”

What did the newspapers report?

4. “Were the rights to life, liberty and property granted to the people by the US Constitution?”

What did he ask you?

5. “The US Constitution authorizes the establishment of the patent and copyright legislation in order to promote the progress of science and the useful arts.”

What did you want to say?

6. “Patents are issued to grant the inventor exclusive rights to produce, use and sell his invention for a specific period of time.”

What did he tell you?

7. “You should keep accurate records of your transactions and your property and a list of those persons who are responsible for them.”

What did he advise?

8. “If your actions violate the rights of others or if they threaten the peace, safety and welfare of the community, you may be subjected to punishment or penalty after a fair trial.”

What did he explain to them?

9. “Every person has the right to protect any of his rights which he feels has been violated.”

What did he say to you ?

10. “Generally, discrimination against women is not based on law but rather on practice.”

Did you believe his explanation?

11. “Women have equal legal rights with men as it was guaranteed by the US Constitution.”

What did the US Constitution guarantee ?

12. “A person may not be prosecuted twice for the same offence.”

Did you know that … ?

13. “The right of an accused to have the assistance of counsel to defend him is essential and fundamental to a fair trial.”

What were you explained?

14. “When arrested, the accused must be given an opportunity to obtain counsel.”

What did he say?

15. “Freedom of speech and freedom of the press are both cornerstone of democratic Institutions.”

What did he explain to you?

Text B. Read the text and get ready to discuss the contents.