INDIRECT DISCOURSE
IN THE PAST

TENSE AGREEMENT
(La Concordance des Temps)

In indirect discourse in a past context, the tense in the dependent clause must be chosen in relation to the tense in the main clause.

Other than the subjunctive, only four tenses are admissible in the dependent clause: imperfect, pluperfect present conditional, and past conditional.

1. The imperfect is used in the dependent clause when its verb signifies an action or state that takes place at the same time as the action or state signified by the verb in the main clause.

Example: J'ai compris que nous allions nous revoir.

2. The pluperfect is used in the dependent clause when its verb signifies an action or state that takes place before the action or state signified by the verb in the main clause.

Example: On disait qu'il était déjà venu.

3. The present conditional is used in the dependent clause when its verb signifies an action or state that takes place after the action or state signifed by the verb in the main clause.

Example: Pierre a dit que Marie les rejoindrait dans une heure.

4. The past conditional is used in the dependent clause when its verb signifies an action or state that takes place after the action or state signified by the verb in the main clause and before some other action.

Les Dupont pensaient qu'elle serait déjà arrivée quand ils commenceraient le dîner.