CHAPTER Tense & Sequence of Tense |
1. Tense — সংজ্ঞা ও পরিচিতি (Definition & Introduction)
Tense শব্দটি এসেছে Latin শব্দ "tempus" থেকে যার অর্থ সময়। Tense হলো Verb-এর এমন একটি রূপ যা দিয়ে বোঝা যায় কোনো কাজ কখন হয়েছে — অতীতে, বর্তমানে, নাকি ভবিষ্যতে।
FORMULA / STRUCTURE |
Tense = Verb-এর রূপ পরিবর্তনের মাধ্যমে কাজের সময় প্রকাশ করার পদ্ধতি। 3 Main Tenses: Present | Past | Future 4 Aspects each: Simple | Continuous | Perfect | Perfect Continuous Total: 3 × 4 = 12 Tense Forms |
Tense | Simple | Continuous | Perfect | Perfect Continuous |
Present | V1 / V1+s/es | am/is/are + V-ing | have/has + V3 | have/has been + V-ing |
Past | V2 | was/were + V-ing | had + V3 | had been + V-ing |
Future | will/shall + V1 | will be + V-ing | will have + V3 | will have been + V-ing |
2. Present Tense — বর্তমান কাল
2.1 Simple Present Tense (Present Indefinite)
FORMULA / STRUCTURE |
Structure: Subject + V1 (base form) 3rd Person Singular: Subject (He/She/It/Name) + V1+s/es Negative: Subject + do/does + not + V1 Question: Do/Does + Subject + V1 + ? |
ব্যবহার (Uses):
ব্যবহার | উদাহরণ | বাংলা |
Habitual action (অভ্যাসগত কাজ) | He reads the newspaper every morning. | সে প্রতিদিন সকালে পত্রিকা পড়ে। |
Universal truth (চিরন্তন সত্য) | The sun rises in the east. | সূর্য পূর্ব দিকে ওঠে। |
Permanent situation (স্থায়ী অবস্থা) | She lives in Dhaka. | সে ঢাকায় থাকে। |
Scheduled future event | The train leaves at 6 pm. | ট্রেন সন্ধ্যা ৬টায় ছাড়ে। |
Proverb / general statement | Honesty is the best policy. | সততাই সর্বোৎকৃষ্ট নীতি। |
Historical present (গল্প বলার সময়) | Shakespeare writes about love. | Shakespeare প্রেম নিয়ে লেখেন। |
Solved Examples:
1. She goes to school every day.
Rule: Habitual action — goes = V1+s (3rd person singular)।
➤ সে প্রতিদিন স্কুলে যায়।
2. Water boils at 100°C.
Rule: Universal truth — Simple Present ব্যবহার হয়।
➤ পানি ১০০°সে-তে ফুটে।
3. He does not speak French.
Rule: Negative: does + not + V1 (speak, not speaks)।
➤ সে ফরাসি বলে না।
4. The Parliament meets tomorrow.
Rule: Scheduled future — Simple Present দিয়ে ভবিষ্যৎ বোঝানো হয়।
➤ সংসদ আগামীকাল বসছে।
2.2 Present Continuous Tense (Present Progressive)
FORMULA / STRUCTURE |
Structure: Subject + am/is/are + Verb-ing Signal words: now, at present, at this moment, currently, right now, look!, listen! Bengali clue: বাংলায় বাক্যের শেষে "তেছে/তেছি/তেছ/ছে/ছি/ছ" — এই রূপ থাকলে। |
ব্যবহার | উদাহরণ | বাংলা |
Action happening NOW | She is studying right now. | সে এখন পড়ছে। |
Temporary action | I am staying in a hotel this week. | আমি এই সপ্তাহ হোটেলে থাকছি। |
Planned future action | We are leaving for London tomorrow. | আমরা আগামীকাল লন্ডনের জন্য রওনা দিচ্ছি। |
Changing/developing situation | Prices are rising rapidly. | দাম দ্রুত বাড়ছে। |
Irritating habit (always+) | He is always complaining. | সে সবসময় অভিযোগ করতেই থাকে। |
★ NOTE |
Non-continuous (Stative) Verbs — এগুলো Continuous-এ ব্যবহার হয় না: Emotions: love, hate, like, prefer, want, wish, desire Mental states: know, believe, understand, remember, forget, think (= believe) Senses: see, hear, smell, taste, feel (when involuntary) Possession: have (= own), own, belong, possess ✘ Wrong: She is knowing the answer. ✔ Correct: She knows the answer. |
5. The children are playing in the garden now.
Rule: at this moment — am/is/are + V-ing।
➤ শিশুরা এখন বাগানে খেলছে।
6. He is always losing his keys! (annoying habit)
Rule: always + Continuous = irritating habit।
➤ সে সবসময় তার চাবি হারায়! (বিরক্তিকর অভ্যাস)
7. They are building a new bridge this year.
Rule: Temporary ongoing project।
➤ তারা এই বছর একটি নতুন সেতু নির্মাণ করছে।
2.3 Present Perfect Tense
FORMULA / STRUCTURE |
Structure: Subject + have/has + V3 (Past Participle) Signal words: just, already, yet, recently, ever, never, before, since, for, so far, up to now, lately Bengali clue: বাংলায় "এইমাত্র/ইতোমধ্যে/এখনো" — এই রূপ থাকলে। |
ব্যবহার | উদাহরণ | বাংলা |
Just completed action | She has just finished the report. | সে এইমাত্র রিপোর্ট শেষ করেছে। |
Life experience (ever/never) | Have you ever visited Paris? | তুমি কি কখনো প্যারিস গিয়েছ? |
Unspecified past time | I have seen that movie. | আমি ঐ সিনেমা দেখেছি। |
Action with present result | He has broken his leg. | সে তার পা ভেঙেছে (এখনো ভাঙা আছে)। |
With since / for | She has lived here since 2010. | সে ২০১০ সাল থেকে এখানে বাস করছে। |
With yet (negative/question) | He hasn't arrived yet. | সে এখনো আসেনি। |
✘ TRAP / WARNING |
TRAP 1: "since" + Point of time (2010, Monday, January); "for" + Period of time (3 years, two days)। TRAP 2: Present Perfect-এ specific past time (yesterday, in 2010, last year) ব্যবহার হয় না — তখন Simple Past ব্যবহার হয়। ✘ Wrong: I have seen him yesterday. ✔ Correct: I saw him yesterday. |
8. I have never eaten sushi.
Rule: Life experience: never + have + V3।
➤ আমি কখনো সুশি খাইনি।
9. The government has recently increased taxes.
Rule: recently + have/has + V3।
➤ সরকার সম্প্রতি কর বৃদ্ধি করেছে।
10. She has worked here for ten years.
Rule: for (period) + have/has + V3।
➤ সে দশ বছর ধরে এখানে কাজ করছে।
2.4 Present Perfect Continuous Tense
FORMULA / STRUCTURE |
Structure: Subject + have/has + been + Verb-ing Signal words: for, since, how long, all day, all morning Use: অতীতে শুরু হয়ে এখনো চলছে এমন কাজ; ফলাফল এখন দৃশ্যমান। |
11. He has been teaching for 20 years.
Rule: for + period + have been + V-ing — এখনো চলছে।
➤ সে ২০ বছর ধরে শিক্ষকতা করছে।
12. It has been raining since morning.
Rule: since + point of time + have been + V-ing।
➤ সকাল থেকে বৃষ্টি হচ্ছে।
13. She looks tired. She has been working all night.
Rule: result now visible (looks tired) — Present Perfect Continuous।
➤ সে ক্লান্ত দেখাচ্ছে। সে সারারাত কাজ করছে।
★ NOTE |
Present Perfect vs Present Perfect Continuous: I have read this book. (completed — বইটি পড়া শেষ) I have been reading this book. (still going on — এখনো পড়ছি) |
3. Past Tense — অতীত কাল
3.1 Simple Past Tense (Past Indefinite)
FORMULA / STRUCTURE |
Structure: Subject + V2 (Past form) Negative: Subject + did + not + V1 Signal words: yesterday, last (week/month/year), ago, in 2010, once, then, when, at that time Bengali clue: বাংলায় বাক্যের শেষে "ল/লাম/লে/লেন/ছিল" থাকলে। |
ব্যবহার | উদাহরণ | বাংলা |
Completed past action | She visited Paris last year. | সে গত বছর প্যারিস পরিদর্শন করেছিল। |
Series of past events | He came, sat down and opened his book. | সে এলো, বসলো এবং বই খুললো। |
Past habit (used to) | He played cricket in his youth. | সে তার যৌবনে ক্রিকেট খেলত। |
Specific past time | I met her in 2015. | আমি তার সাথে ২০১৫ সালে দেখা করেছিলাম। |
Conditional II (if clause) | If I had money, I would help you. | যদি আমার টাকা থাকত, আমি তোমাকে সাহায্য করতাম। |
14. He wrote three novels last year.
Rule: Specific past time (last year) — V2 (wrote) ব্যবহার।
➤ সে গত বছর তিনটি উপন্যাস লিখেছিল।
15. Did she call you yesterday?
Rule: Question in Simple Past: Did + Subject + V1।
➤ সে কি গতকাল তোমাকে ফোন করেছিল?
16. The plane took off at 10 AM.
Rule: Specific completed past event।
➤ বিমানটি সকাল ১০টায় উড়ে গেল।
3.2 Past Continuous Tense
FORMULA / STRUCTURE |
Structure: Subject + was/were + Verb-ing Signal words: while, when, as, at that time, at 5 pm yesterday, all day long Key use: অতীতে কোনো নির্দিষ্ট সময়ে কাজ চলছিল; বা একটি চলমান কাজের মাঝে আরেকটি ছোট কাজ হলো। |
ব্যবহার | উদাহরণ | বাংলা |
Action in progress at a specific past time | At 5 pm, she was cooking dinner. | বিকেল ৫টায় সে রাতের খাবার রান্না করছিল। |
Interrupted action (when + Simple Past) | I was reading when he called. | সে যখন ফোন করল, আমি পড়ছিলাম। |
Two simultaneous past actions (while) | While she was singing, he was dancing. | সে গান গাচ্ছিল আর সে নাচছিল। |
Background in a story | The sun was shining; birds were singing. | সূর্য চকচক করছিল; পাখিরা গান গাইছিল। |
17. She was watching TV when I entered.
Rule: when + Simple Past (entered) interrupt করেছে Past Continuous-কে।
➤ আমি যখন প্রবেশ করলাম, সে তখন টিভি দেখছিল।
18. While he was sleeping, the phone rang.
Rule: while + Past Continuous; rang = Simple Past (interruption)।
➤ সে যখন ঘুমাচ্ছিল, তখন ফোন বেজে উঠল।
3.3 Past Perfect Tense
FORMULA / STRUCTURE |
Structure: Subject + had + V3 (Past Participle) Signal words: before, after, when, by the time, already, just, no sooner...than, scarcely...when, hardly...when Key rule: দুটি অতীত ঘটনার মধ্যে যেটি আগে ঘটেছিল তাতে Past Perfect, পরেরটিতে Simple Past। |
ব্যবহার | উদাহরণ | বাংলা |
Earlier of two past events | She had left before he arrived. | সে আসার আগেই সে চলে গিয়েছিল। |
Reported speech backshift | He said he had finished the work. | সে বলল যে সে কাজটি শেষ করেছিল। |
3rd Conditional | If she had studied, she would have passed. | যদি সে পড়ত, সে পাস করত। |
No sooner...than | No sooner had he left than it rained. | সে যেতে না যেতেই বৃষ্টি পড়ল। |
Hardly/Scarcely...when | Hardly had I slept when the alarm rang. | আমি সবে ঘুমিয়েছিলাম তখনই অ্যালার্ম বাজল। |
✘ TRAP / WARNING |
TRAP: "before" এবং "after" ব্যবহারে Past Perfect ও Simple Past-এর সঠিক ক্রম মনে রাখুন: She had eaten before he arrived. (eating = আগের ঘটনা → had + V3) After she had eaten, she left. (eating = আগের ঘটনা → had + V3) সহজ নিয়ম: "before" clause-এর আগের ঘটনায় Past Perfect; "after" clause-এর আগেও Past Perfect। |
19. The patient had died before the doctor arrived.
Rule: আগের ঘটনা (died) → had + V3; পরের ঘটনা (arrived) → Simple Past।
➤ ডাক্তার আসার আগেই রোগীটি মারা গিয়েছিল।
20. No sooner had she entered than the bell rang.
Rule: No sooner + had + Subject + V3 + than + Simple Past।
➤ সে ঢুকতে না ঢুকতেই ঘণ্টা বাজল।
21. I had never seen such beauty before I visited Kashmir.
Rule: never + had seen (Past Perfect) + before + Simple Past।
➤ কাশ্মীর যাওয়ার আগে আমি কখনো এমন সৌন্দর্য দেখিনি।
3.4 Past Perfect Continuous Tense
FORMULA / STRUCTURE |
Structure: Subject + had + been + Verb-ing Signal words: for, since (before a past moment) Use: অতীতের একটি নির্দিষ্ট সময়ের আগে থেকে শুরু হয়ে সেই সময় পর্যন্ত চলমান ছিল এমন কাজ। |
22. He had been working for 5 hours when I met him.
Rule: had been + V-ing — meeting-এর আগে থেকে শুরু হয়ে সেই সময় পর্যন্ত চলছিল।
➤ আমি তার সাথে দেখা করার সময় সে ৫ ঘণ্টা ধরে কাজ করছিল।
23. She was exhausted because she had been running.
Rule: কারণ-ফলাফল + had been + V-ing।
➤ সে ক্লান্ত ছিল কারণ সে দৌড়াচ্ছিল।
4. Future Tense — ভবিষ্যৎ কাল
4.1 Simple Future Tense
FORMULA / STRUCTURE |
Structure: Subject + will/shall + V1 shall: Formal English-এ 1st person (I/We)-এ ব্যবহার হয়; আধুনিক English-এ will সব person-এ চলে। Signal words: tomorrow, next (week/month/year), soon, in the future, someday |
ব্যবহার | উদাহরণ |
Simple future prediction | It will rain tomorrow. |
Spontaneous decision | I'll help you with that right now. |
Promise | I will never lie to you. |
Offer / Request | Will you open the door, please? |
Certainty about future | She will pass the exam, I'm sure. |
4.2 Future Continuous Tense
FORMULA / STRUCTURE |
Structure: Subject + will be + Verb-ing Use: ভবিষ্যতের একটি নির্দিষ্ট সময়ে কাজ চলতে থাকবে। |
24. At this time tomorrow, I will be sitting in the exam hall.
Rule: future specific time + will be + V-ing।
➤ আগামীকাল এই সময়ে আমি পরীক্ষার হলে বসে থাকব।
4.3 Future Perfect Tense
FORMULA / STRUCTURE |
Structure: Subject + will have + V3 Signal words: by tomorrow, by next Monday, by the time, before + future time Use: ভবিষ্যতের একটি নির্দিষ্ট সময়ের আগে কাজটি সম্পন্ন হয়ে যাবে। |
25. By the time you arrive, I will have finished cooking.
Rule: by the time + Simple Present → Future Perfect।
➤ তুমি পৌঁছানোর মধ্যে আমি রান্না শেষ করে ফেলব।
26. She will have completed her degree by May.
Rule: by + future time → will have + V3।
➤ সে মে মাসের মধ্যে তার ডিগ্রি সম্পন্ন করে ফেলবে।
4.4 Future Perfect Continuous Tense
FORMULA / STRUCTURE |
Structure: Subject + will have been + Verb-ing Use: ভবিষ্যতের একটি সময় পর্যন্ত কতক্ষণ ধরে কাজ চলতে থাকবে তা বোঝাতে। |
27. By 2030, she will have been teaching for 30 years.
Rule: by future year + will have been + V-ing।
➤ ২০৩০ সালের মধ্যে সে ৩০ বছর ধরে শিক্ষকতা করছে।
5. Master Reference Table — ১২টি Tense
Tense | Formula | Signal Words | Example | বাংলা অর্থ |
Simple Present | V1 / V1+s/es | always, usually, often, every day | She writes poems. | সে কবিতা লেখে। |
Present Continuous | am/is/are + V-ing | now, at present, look!, listen! | She is writing now. | সে এখন লিখছে। |
Present Perfect | have/has + V3 | just, already, yet, ever, never, since, for | She has written a poem. | সে একটি কবিতা লিখেছে। |
Present Perfect Continuous | have/has been + V-ing | for, since, how long, all morning | She has been writing for 2 hours. | সে ২ ঘণ্টা ধরে লিখছে। |
Simple Past | V2 | yesterday, last week, ago, in 2010 | She wrote a poem. | সে একটি কবিতা লিখেছিল। |
Past Continuous | was/were + V-ing | while, when, at 5 pm yesterday | She was writing at 5 pm. | বিকেল ৫টায় সে লিখছিল। |
Past Perfect | had + V3 | before, after, already, by the time, no sooner | She had written before he came. | সে আসার আগেই লিখে ফেলেছিল। |
Past Perfect Continuous | had been + V-ing | for, since (before past time) | She had been writing for 2 hours. | সে ২ ঘণ্টা ধরে লিখছিল। |
Simple Future | will/shall + V1 | tomorrow, next week, soon, someday | She will write a poem. | সে একটি কবিতা লিখবে। |
Future Continuous | will be + V-ing | at this time tomorrow, by next morning | She will be writing at 5 pm. | বিকেল ৫টায় সে লিখছে থাকবে। |
Future Perfect | will have + V3 | by tomorrow, by the time, before + future | She will have written by 5 pm. | বিকেল ৫টার মধ্যে সে লিখে ফেলবে। |
Future Perfect Continuous | will have been + V-ing | for, by future time | She will have been writing for 2 hrs. | সে ২ ঘণ্টা ধরে লিখছে থাকবে। |
6. Sequence of Tense — ক্রিয়ার কালের অনুক্রম
Sequence of Tense হলো এমন একটি নিয়ম যা নির্ধারণ করে — যখন একটি sentence-এ দুটি বা তার বেশি clause থাকে, তখন এক clause-এর Tense অন্য clause-এর Tense-কে কীভাবে প্রভাবিত করে।
FORMULA / STRUCTURE |
Core Rule: Principal Clause (Main Clause)-এর Tense দেখে Subordinate Clause-এর Tense নির্ধারণ করতে হয়। Main Clause = Present/Future → Subordinate Clause যেকোনো Tense হতে পারে Main Clause = Past → Subordinate Clause অবশ্যই Past Tense হতে হবে |
6.1 Rule 1 — Main Clause Present/Future হলে
Main Clause (Tense) | Subordinate Clause (Tense) | Example |
Present Tense | Any Tense possible | She thinks that he is/was/will be honest. |
Future Tense | Any Tense possible | He will say that she is/was/will be right. |
Present Perfect | Any Tense possible | I have heard that prices are rising. |
28. She knows that the earth revolves around the sun.
Rule: Universal truth — Sub. clause সবসময় Present (revolves)।
➤ সে জানে যে পৃথিবী সূর্যের চারদিকে ঘোরে।
29. He thinks that she is very talented.
Rule: Main: Present → Sub. can be any tense।
➤ সে মনে করে যে সে খুব প্রতিভাবান।
6.2 Rule 2 — Main Clause Past হলে
Main Clause-এ Past Tense থাকলে Subordinate Clause-এও Past Tense ব্যবহার করতে হয় — এই নিয়মকে "Backshift" বলে।
Main Clause | Subordinate Clause (Backshift) | Example |
Simple Past | Simple Past | He said that she was ill. |
Simple Past | Past Continuous | She told me that he was working. |
Simple Past | Past Perfect | She said that he had finished the work. |
Simple Past | would (Modal backshift) | He said he would come. |
Simple Past | could/might/should | She said she could swim. |
✘ TRAP / WARNING |
COMMON MISTAKE: Past Tense-এর sentence-এ Subordinate Clause-এ Present Tense ব্যবহার করা। ✘ Wrong: He said that she is ill. ✔ Correct: He said that she was ill. ✘ Wrong: She told me that he will come. ✔ Correct: She told me that he would come. |
30. He said that he was tired.
Rule: Main: said (Past) → Sub.: was (Past) — Backshift।
➤ সে বলল যে সে ক্লান্ত।
31. She told me that she had completed the task.
Rule: Main: told (Past) → Sub.: had completed (Past Perfect) — Backshift।
➤ সে আমাকে বলল যে সে কাজটি সম্পন্ন করেছে।
32. He promised that he would help me.
Rule: Main: promised (Past) → will → would (modal backshift)।
➤ সে প্রতিশ্রুতি দিল যে সে আমাকে সাহায্য করবে।
6.3 Rule 3 — Exceptions (Universal Truth / General Fact)
★ NOTE |
নিচের ক্ষেত্রে Main Clause Past হলেও Subordinate Clause-এ Present Tense রাখা যায়: 1. Universal Truth: The teacher said that the sun rises in the east. 2. Scientific Fact: He explained that water boils at 100°C. 3. Habitual Fact: She said that honesty is the best policy. 4. Proverb: He reminded us that time and tide wait for no man. |
33. The teacher said that the earth is round.
Rule: Universal truth → Sub. clause সবসময় Present (is) — Past নয়।
➤ শিক্ষক বললেন যে পৃথিবী গোলাকার।
34. Scientists proved that light travels faster than sound.
Rule: Scientific fact → travels (Simple Present)।
➤ বিজ্ঞানীরা প্রমাণ করেছেন যে আলো শব্দের চেয়ে দ্রুত ভ্রমণ করে।
6.4 Rule 4 — Time & Condition Clauses (Future Reference)
FORMULA / STRUCTURE |
KEY RULE: Time/Condition clause-এ Future Tense ব্যবহার হয় না — Simple Present ব্যবহার হয়। এই conjunctions-এর পরে কখনো "will" ব্যবহার করবে না: when, before, after, until, unless, as soon as, by the time, if, provided that, in case, once, till ✘ Wrong: I will call you when he will arrive. ✔ Correct: I will call you when he arrives. |
35. Wait here until I return.
Rule: until + Simple Present (return, not will return)।
➤ আমি ফিরে না আসা পর্যন্ত এখানে অপেক্ষা করো।
36. As soon as she arrives, I will tell her the news.
Rule: as soon as + Simple Present (arrives, not will arrive)।
➤ সে আসামাত্র আমি তাকে খবর দেব।
37. Unless you study hard, you will not pass.
Rule: unless + Simple Present (study, not will study)।
➤ তুমি কঠিন পরিশ্রম না করলে পাস করবে না।
38. If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the trip.
Rule: if + Simple Present → Future (will + V1)। [1st Conditional]
➤ যদি আগামীকাল বৃষ্টি হয়, আমরা ভ্রমণ বাতিল করব।
7. Conditionals & Tense — শর্তবাক্য ও কাল
Conditional sentences-এ Tense-এর নিয়ম বিশেষভাবে গুরুত্বপূর্ণ। চার ধরনের Conditional রয়েছে:
Type | If Clause | Main Clause | Example | বাংলা |
Zero (General truth) | Simple Present | Simple Present | If you heat water, it boils. | পানি গরম করলে ফোটে। |
Type 1 (Real/Possible) | Simple Present | will + V1 | If it rains, I will stay home. | বৃষ্টি হলে ঘরে থাকব। |
Type 2 (Unreal/Hypothetical) | Simple Past (were for all) | would + V1 | If I were rich, I would help. | ধনী হলে সাহায্য করতাম। |
Type 3 (Impossible past) | Past Perfect (had + V3) | would have + V3 | If she had come, I would have met her. | সে এলে দেখা হতো। |
✘ TRAP / WARNING |
TRAP 1: Type 2-এ সব Subject-এর সাথে "were" ব্যবহার হয় (was নয়): ✘ Wrong: If I was you, I would apologize. ✔ Correct: If I were you, I would apologize. TRAP 2: Type 3-এ "would have been" এবং "had been" গুলিয়ে ফেলো না। If he had studied, he would have passed. (correct Type 3) |
39. If she had taken medicine, she would have recovered.
Rule: Type 3: had + V3 → would have + V3।
➤ সে যদি ওষুধ নিত, সে সুস্থ হয়ে যেত।
40. If I were the Prime Minister, I would build more schools.
Rule: Type 2: were (not was) + would + V1।
➤ যদি আমি প্রধানমন্ত্রী হতাম, আরো স্কুল বানাতাম।
8. Tricky & Uncommon Rules — কঠিন ও অপরিচিত নিয়ম
8.1 "No sooner...than / Hardly...when / Scarcely...when"
FORMULA / STRUCTURE |
No sooner + had + Sub + V3 + than + Sub + Simple Past Hardly/Scarcely + had + Sub + V3 + when + Sub + Simple Past মনে রাখো: "no sooner" এর পরে "than"; "hardly/scarcely" এর পরে "when"। ✘ Wrong: No sooner did he leave than it rained. ✔ Correct: No sooner had he left than it rained. |
41. No sooner had the sun set than the stars appeared.
Rule: No sooner + had + V3 + than + Simple Past।
➤ সূর্য অস্ত যেতে না যেতেই তারা দেখা দিল।
42. Scarcely had I arrived when the meeting started.
Rule: Scarcely + had + V3 + when + Simple Past।
➤ আমি এসে পৌঁছাতে না পৌঁছাতেই সভা শুরু হয়ে গেল।
8.2 "It is time / It is high time"
FORMULA / STRUCTURE |
It is time + Subject + Past Tense (Simple Past) It is high time + Subject + Past Tense মনে রাখো: "it is time" এবং "it is high time"-এর পরে সবসময় Past Tense ব্যবহার হয়। ✘ Wrong: It is time you go to bed. ✔ Correct: It is time you went to bed. |
43. It is high time we started the project.
Rule: "it is high time" + Past Tense (started)।
➤ এখনই সময় আমাদের প্রকল্পটি শুরু করার।
44. It is time he apologized for his behavior.
Rule: "it is time" + Past Tense (apologized)।
➤ এখন সময় এসেছে সে তার আচরণের জন্য ক্ষমা চাইবে।
8.3 "Would rather / Would sooner"
FORMULA / STRUCTURE |
Subject + would rather + V1 (own preference) Subject + would rather + another Subject + Past Tense ✔ I would rather die than surrender. ✔ I would rather you told me the truth. (told = Past Tense — অন্য subject-এ) |
45. I would rather stay home than go out in the rain.
Rule: would rather + V1 + than + V1।
➤ আমি বৃষ্টিতে বের হওয়ার চেয়ে ঘরে থাকতে পছন্দ করি।
46. She would rather you finished the work today.
Rule: would rather + another subject + Past Tense (finished)।
➤ সে চায় তুমি আজই কাজটি শেষ করো।
8.4 "Wish / As if / As though"
FORMULA / STRUCTURE |
Present wish (unreal): Subject + wish + Subject + Past Tense Past wish (unfulfilled): Subject + wish + Subject + Past Perfect As if / As though: + Past Tense (present unreal) or + Past Perfect (past unreal) ✔ I wish I were rich. (Present wish — were, not was) ✔ I wish I had studied harder. (Past unfulfilled wish) ✔ He talks as if he were the boss. (present unreal — were) |
47. I wish I were taller.
Rule: wish + were (not was) — present unreal।
➤ আমার ইচ্ছা যদি আমি লম্বা হতাম।
48. She wishes she had taken the job offer.
Rule: wish + had + V3 — past unfulfilled wish।
➤ সে ইচ্ছা করে যদি সে চাকরির অফার নিত।
49. He acts as if he owned the company.
Rule: as if + Past Tense (owned) — present unreal situation।
➤ সে এমনভাবে আচরণ করে যেন সে কোম্পানির মালিক।
8.5 "Used to / Be used to / Get used to"
Expression | Meaning | Structure | Example |
used to | অতীতের অভ্যাস (এখন নেই) | used to + V1 | He used to smoke. (এখন করে না) |
be used to | কোনো কিছুতে অভ্যস্ত | be + used to + V-ing/noun | I am used to waking up early. |
get used to | কোনো কিছুতে অভ্যস্ত হওয়া | get + used to + V-ing/noun | She is getting used to the heat. |
✘ TRAP / WARNING |
TRAP: "used to" এর পরে V1; "be/get used to" এর পরে V-ing বা Noun। ✘ Wrong: I am used to wake up early. ✔ Correct: I am used to waking up early. |
8.6 "Since" — এর পরে Tense-এর নিয়ম
FORMULA / STRUCTURE |
since + Simple Past → Present Perfect (main clause) since + Present Perfect → longer duration expressed ✔ It has been 3 years since she left. (left = Simple Past) ✔ Since I have known him, he has always been honest. (both Present Perfect) |
50. I haven't seen him since he moved to London.
Rule: since + Simple Past → Present Perfect।
➤ সে লন্ডনে চলে যাওয়ার পর থেকে আমি তাকে দেখিনি।
8.7 "Before / After" — Tense নির্ধারণ
FORMULA / STRUCTURE |
Pattern 1: Before + Simple Past → Past Perfect in other clause Pattern 2: After + Past Perfect → Simple Past in other clause ✔ He had eaten before she arrived. ✔ After he had finished, she left. সহজ নিয়ম: দুটি অতীত ঘটনায় আগেরটিতে Past Perfect, পরেরটিতে Simple Past। |
51. After the guests had left, she cleaned the house.
Rule: After + Past Perfect → Simple Past।
➤ অতিথিরা চলে যাওয়ার পরে সে ঘর পরিষ্কার করল।
52. She had never traveled abroad before she got a scholarship.
Rule: before + Simple Past → Past Perfect।
➤ বৃত্তি পাওয়ার আগে সে কখনো বিদেশ ভ্রমণ করেনি।
9. More Solved Examples
নিচের উদাহরণগুলো BCS, Bank Job ও NTRCA পরীক্ষার প্রশ্নের ধাঁচে তৈরি।
Present Tense Examples:
53. The committee is meeting at present to discuss the issue.
Rule: at present + is/are + V-ing (Present Continuous)।
➤ কমিটি বর্তমানে বিষয়টি আলোচনা করতে বৈঠক করছে।
54. Have you ever been to Cox's Bazar?
Rule: Life experience: Have + Subject + ever + V3 (been)।
➤ তুমি কি কখনো কক্সবাজার গিয়েছ?
55. The population of Bangladesh has increased rapidly since 2000.
Rule: since + year → Present Perfect (has increased)।
➤ ২০০০ সাল থেকে বাংলাদেশের জনসংখ্যা দ্রুত বৃদ্ধি পেয়েছে।
Past Tense Examples:
56. When I reached the station, the train had already left.
Rule: earlier event (had left) → Past Perfect; later event (reached) → Simple Past।
➤ আমি স্টেশনে পৌঁছানোর সময়, ট্রেনটি ইতোমধ্যে চলে গিয়েছিল।
57. She had been waiting for two hours when the doctor finally called her.
Rule: had been + V-ing (Past Perfect Continuous) + when + Simple Past।
➤ ডাক্তার অবশেষে ডাকার সময় সে দুই ঘণ্টা ধরে অপেক্ষা করছিল।
58. No sooner had he opened the letter than he burst into tears.
Rule: No sooner + had + V3 + than + Simple Past।
➤ চিঠি খুলতে না খুলতেই সে কান্নায় ভেঙে পড়ল।
Future Tense Examples:
59. By the time the project ends, she will have worked here for 10 years.
Rule: by the time + Simple Present → Future Perfect।
➤ প্রকল্প শেষ হওয়ার মধ্যে সে এখানে ১০ বছর কাজ করে ফেলবে।
60. If you don't hurry, you will miss the bus.
Rule: 1st Conditional: if + Simple Present → will + V1।
➤ তুমি যদি তাড়াতাড়ি না কর, বাস মিস করবে।
Sequence of Tense Examples:
61. He told me that he would visit the museum the next day.
Rule: Backshift: will → would; told (Past) → would (Past of will)।
➤ সে আমাকে বলল যে পরের দিন সে জাদুঘর পরিদর্শন করবে।
62. She thought that he had already submitted the form.
Rule: Main: thought (Past) → Sub.: had submitted (Past Perfect)।
➤ সে ভেবেছিল যে সে ইতোমধ্যে ফর্মটি জমা দিয়েছিল।
63. The teacher explained that water freezes at 0°C.
Rule: Scientific fact → Sub. clause সবসময় Present (freezes)।
➤ শিক্ষক ব্যাখ্যা করলেন যে পানি ০°সে-তে জমাট বাঁধে।
64. She said she could not attend the meeting.
Rule: Backshift: can → could।
➤ সে বলল যে সে সভায় উপস্থিত থাকতে পারবে না।
65. He reported that the prices were increasing alarmingly.
Rule: Backshift: are increasing → were increasing।
➤ সে রিপোর্ট করল যে দাম আশঙ্কাজনকভাবে বাড়ছে।
10. Common Errors — সাধারণ ভুল ও সংশোধন
✘ Wrong | ✔ Correct | Tense |
I have seen him yesterday. | I saw him yesterday. | Spl Past |
She is knowing the answer. | She knows the answer. | Spl Pres |
He told that he will come. | He told me that he would come. | Seq/Tense |
I will call you when he will arrive. | I will call you when he arrives. | Time Cls |
If I was you, I would help. | If I were you, I would help. | Cond II |
No sooner did he come than it rained. | No sooner had he come than it rained. | Past Perf |
It is time you go to bed. | It is time you went to bed. | Time expr |
She wishes she was taller. | She wishes she were taller. | Wish |
I am used to wake up early. | I am used to waking up early. | Used to |
The teacher said earth is round. (✓ ok!) | The teacher said that the earth is round. | Universal |
He has been here since three hours. | He has been here for three hours. | for/since |
Hardly he had slept when the alarm rang. | Hardly had he slept when the alarm rang. | Inversion |
She had gone to market. | She went to market. | Simple Past |
By 2050 we solve climate change. | By 2050 we will have solved climate change. | Fut Perf |
After she came, he had left. | After she came, he left. OR He had left before she came. | Seq |
11. MCQ Practice Set
নিচের প্রশ্নগুলো BCS Preliminary, Bank Job ও NTRCA পরীক্ষার ধরনে তৈরি।
Q1. She ___ in Dhaka since 2015.
(a) lives
(b) is living
(c) has lived
(d) had lived
Answer: (c) has lived
Explanation: "since 2015" + এখনো থাকছে → Present Perfect: has lived। "since" + specific year = Present Perfect।
Q2. When I arrived, she ___ dinner.
(a) cooked
(b) was cooking
(c) has cooked
(d) had been cooking
Answer: (b) was cooking
Explanation: "when I arrived" = Simple Past interrupted an ongoing action → Past Continuous: was cooking।
Q3. No sooner had he entered ___ it started raining.
(a) when
(b) then
(c) than
(d) while
Answer: (c) than
Explanation: "No sooner...had" এর পরে সবসময় "than" ব্যবহার হয়।
Q4. If I ___ you, I would tell the truth.
(a) am
(b) was
(c) were
(d) have been
Answer: (c) were
Explanation: Conditional Type 2 → If + were (সব person-এ): "If I were you..."।
Q5. It is high time you ___ your mistakes.
(a) correct
(b) corrects
(c) corrected
(d) have corrected
Answer: (c) corrected
Explanation: "It is high time" + Subject + Past Tense: corrected।
Q6. The teacher said that the earth ___ around the sun.
(a) revolved
(b) revolves
(c) will revolve
(d) had revolved
Answer: (b) revolves
Explanation: Universal truth → Subordinate clause সবসময় Simple Present: revolves।
Q7. She told me that she ___ the report the next day.
(a) will submit
(b) would submit
(c) has submitted
(d) submits
Answer: (b) would submit
Explanation: Backshift: will → would (Main clause Past → Sub. clause would)।
Q8. I ___ my homework before the teacher came.
(a) finish
(b) finished
(c) had finished
(d) have finished
Answer: (c) had finished
Explanation: Two past events — earlier one (finish) → Past Perfect: had finished।
Q9. By the time she arrives, I ___ the food.
(a) will cook
(b) will be cooking
(c) will have cooked
(d) have cooked
Answer: (c) will have cooked
Explanation: "By the time" + Simple Present → Future Perfect: will have cooked।
Q10. He acts as if he ___ the owner.
(a) is
(b) was
(c) were
(d) has been
Answer: (c) were
Explanation: "As if" + unreal present → Past Tense with "were" (not "was")।
Q11. I wish I ___ more time to study.
(a) have
(b) had
(c) will have
(d) would have
Answer: (b) had
Explanation: "Wish" + present unreal → Simple Past: had।
Q12. She ___ to the gym regularly before she broke her leg.
(a) goes
(b) went
(c) used to go
(d) is going
Answer: (c) used to go
Explanation: "before she broke" = past event; regular past habit → used to go।
Q13. He ___ for three hours when the power went out.
(a) studies
(b) was studying
(c) had been studying
(d) studied
Answer: (c) had been studying
Explanation: Power went out = interruption; ongoing action before that → Past Perfect Continuous: had been studying।
Q14. I will wait here until you ___.
(a) return
(b) will return
(c) would return
(d) returned
Answer: (a) return
Explanation: Time clause (until) → Simple Present: return (not will return)।
Q15. Hardly ___ the exam when he felt ill.
(a) he had finished
(b) had he finished
(c) he finished
(d) did he finish
Answer: (b) had he finished
Explanation: Hardly + Inversion → Hardly + had + Subject + V3: had he finished।
Q16. She ___ the book three times so far.
(a) reads
(b) read
(c) has read
(d) had read
Answer: (c) has read
Explanation: "so far" → Present Perfect: has read।
Q17. The match ___ by the time we reached the stadium.
(a) starts
(b) started
(c) had started
(d) has started
Answer: (c) had started
Explanation: Two past events — match starting was earlier → Past Perfect: had started।
Q18. ___ you ever visited the Sundarbans?
(a) Do
(b) Did
(c) Have
(d) Had
Answer: (c) Have
Explanation: Life experience question → Present Perfect: Have you ever...?
Q19. He said that he ___ the project completed by Monday.
(a) will have
(b) would have
(c) has had
(d) had had
Answer: (b) would have
Explanation: Backshift: will have → would have (Main: said = Past)।
Q20. While I ___, someone knocked at the door.
(a) sleep
(b) slept
(c) was sleeping
(d) have slept
Answer: (c) was sleeping
Explanation: "While" + ongoing past action → Past Continuous: was sleeping।
Q21. If she ___ harder last year, she would have passed.
(a) studies
(b) studied
(c) had studied
(d) has studied
Answer: (c) had studied
Explanation: Type 3 Conditional: If + Past Perfect (had studied) → would have + V3।
Q22. I would rather you ___ me the truth.
(a) tell
(b) told
(c) will tell
(d) have told
Answer: (b) told
Explanation: "Would rather" + other subject + Past Tense: told।
Q23. They ___ the bridge by next December.
(a) complete
(b) completed
(c) will complete
(d) will have completed
Answer: (d) will have completed
Explanation: "by next December" → Future Perfect: will have completed।
Q24. As soon as she ___ home, please call me.
(a) comes
(b) will come
(c) came
(d) would come
Answer: (a) comes
Explanation: Time clause (as soon as) → Simple Present: comes (not will come)।
Q25. The sun ___ in the west. (General truth)
(a) set
(b) sets
(c) setted
(d) will set
Answer: (b) sets
Explanation: Universal truth → Simple Present: sets।
Q26. She has been working here ___ 2018.
(a) for
(b) since
(c) from
(d) during
Answer: (b) since
Explanation: "since" + specific year (2018)। "for" = period, "since" = point in time।
Q27. She ___ to classical music since childhood.
(a) listens
(b) listened
(c) has listened
(d) had listened
Answer: (c) has listened
Explanation: "since childhood" + এখনো চলছে → Present Perfect: has listened।
Q28. He didn't go to the party because he ___ ill.
(a) is
(b) was
(c) has been
(d) had been
Answer: (b) was
Explanation: Main clause = Past (didn't go) → Sub. clause = Past: was।
Q29. By the time I finish this book, I ___ it three times.
(a) read
(b) will read
(c) will have read
(d) have read
Answer: (c) will have read
Explanation: "By the time + Simple Present" → Future Perfect: will have read।
Q30. He ___ here for 10 years before he retired.
(a) works
(b) worked
(c) had worked
(d) has worked
Answer: (c) had worked
Explanation: Completed period before another past event → Past Perfect: had worked।
12. Fill in the Blanks — শূন্যস্থান পূরণ
Bracket-এর Verb সঠিক Tense-এ রূপান্তর করে শূন্যস্থান পূরণ করো।
1. She ___ (study) for three hours when the electricity went out.
Answer: had been studying
ব্যাখ্যা: Past Perfect Continuous: study ছিল interrupt হওয়ার আগে থেকে চলছিল।
2. By the time the ceremony ends, they ___ (wait) for two hours.
Answer: will have been waiting
ব্যাখ্যা: Future Perfect Continuous: by the time + present → will have been + V-ing।
3. No sooner had the bell rung ___ the students rushed out.
Answer: than
ব্যাখ্যা: No sooner...had + V3 → than + Simple Past।
4. It is time the government ___ (take) strict action.
Answer: took
ব্যাখ্যা: It is time + Past Tense।
5. I ___ (not/see) such a beautiful sunset before I visited Cox's Bazar.
Answer: had never seen
ব্যাখ্যা: Past Perfect: আগের অভিজ্ঞতা (before + Simple Past)।
6. She acts as if she ___ (know) everything.
Answer: knew
ব্যাখ্যা: As if + unreal present → Past Tense।
7. He promised that he ___ (help) me the following day.
Answer: would help
ব্যাখ্যা: Backshift: will → would (promised = Past)।
8. Prices ___ (rise) steadily since last year.
Answer: have been rising
ব্যাখ্যা: since + last year + এখনো চলছে → Present Perfect Continuous।
9. Unless you ___ (work) hard, you will fail.
Answer: work
ব্যাখ্যা: Unless + Simple Present (not will work)।
10. I wish I ___ (be) taller.
Answer: were
ব্যাখ্যা: Wish + present unreal → were (all persons)।
11. The police confirmed that the suspect ___ (escape) the previous night.
Answer: had escaped
ব্যাখ্যা: Backshift: escaped → had escaped (confirmed = Past)।
12. Scarcely ___ (arrive) I when the meeting began.
Answer: had I arrived
ব্যাখ্যা: Scarcely + had + Subject + V3 + when + Simple Past।
13. She ___ (work) in this office since she ___ (graduate).
Answer: has worked / graduated
ব্যাখ্যা: since + Simple Past → Present Perfect in main clause।
14. By 2030, scientists ___ (develop) a cure for cancer.
Answer: will have developed
ব্যাখ্যা: by + future year → Future Perfect。
15. I would rather she ___ (not/tell) him the secret.
Answer: did not tell / hadn't told
ব্যাখ্যা: Would rather + other subject + Past Tense।
13. Error Detection
নিচের বাক্যগুলোতে Tense-এর ভুল রয়েছে। ভুলটি চিহ্নিত করে সংশোধন করো।
1. I have seen him yesterday at the market.
Error: have seen → saw → Correction: saw
Specific past time (yesterday) থাকলে Simple Past ব্যবহার হয়, Present Perfect নয়।
2. She is knowing all the answers to the questions.
Error: is knowing → knows → Correction: knows
"know" একটি Stative verb — Continuous Tense-এ ব্যবহার হয় না।
3. He told that he will come to the party tomorrow.
Error: will come → would come → Correction: would come
Backshift নিয়ম: Main clause Past (told) → Sub. clause would (not will)।
4. I will call you when he will arrive at the airport.
Error: he will arrive → he arrives → Correction: he arrives
Time clause (when)-এ Future Tense হয় না — Simple Present ব্যবহার করতে হয়।
5. If I was rich, I would buy a new car.
Error: was → were → Correction: were
Conditional Type 2-এ সব person-এর সাথে "were" ব্যবহার হয় (was নয়)।
6. No sooner did he leave than the trouble started.
Error: did he leave → had he left → Correction: had he left
No sooner + had + Subject + V3 (Past Perfect, Inverted) + than + Simple Past।
7. It is time you go to bed — it is already midnight.
Error: go → went → Correction: went
"It is time" + Sub + Past Tense (went, not go)।
8. She wishes she was the president of the company.
Error: was → were → Correction: were
"Wish" + present unreal → "were" (all persons — not "was")।
9. I am used to wake up at 5 am every day.
Error: wake up → waking up → Correction: waking up
"be used to" এর পরে V-ing বা Noun ব্যবহার হয়, V1 নয়।
10. She has been working here since five years.
Error: since five years → for five years → Correction: for five years
"since" = specific point in time; "for" = period/duration। পাঁচ বছর = period → "for" ব্যবহার।
11. By the time she arrives, I will finish cooking.
Error: will finish → will have finished → Correction: will have finished
"By the time + Simple Present" → Future Perfect (will have + V3)।
12. Hardly he had entered when the alarm went off.
Error: he had entered → had he entered → Correction: had he entered
"Hardly" clause-এ Inversion আবশ্যক: Hardly + had + Subject + V3।
13. After she came home, her mother had left already.
Error: had left → left → Correction: left (Simple Past)
দুটি Past event-এ "after" clause = পরের ঘটনা, তাই Simple Past (left); earlier event-এ Past Perfect।
14. He said he can solve the problem easily.
Error: can → could → Correction: could
Backshift: can → could (said = Past → Subordinate clause = Past modal)।
15. She has visited London last year for a conference.
Error: has visited → visited → Correction: visited
Specific past time (last year) → Simple Past (visited), না Present Perfect।
16. We are living in this house since 2012.
Error: are living → have been living → Correction: have been living
since + 2012 + এখনো চলছে → Present Perfect Continuous।
17. If she had studied, she would pass the exam.
Error: would pass → would have passed → Correction: would have passed
Conditional Type 3: If + Past Perfect → would HAVE + V3।
18. I would rather you will leave now.
Error: will leave → left → Correction: left
"Would rather" + another subject + Past Tense (left), না Future।
19. The match had started when we reached the stadium.
Error: had started → started → Correction: started OR The match had already started when...
দুটি past event যদি "when"-এ আসে, normally Simple Past; had started-ই correct হয় যদি emphasis দরকার।
20. She was working here since she joined in 2018.
Error: was working → has been working → Correction: has been working
since + 2018 + এখনো চলছে → Present Perfect Continuous।
14. Exam Tips, Traps & Master Summary — পরীক্ষার সবচেয়ে গুরুত্বপূর্ণ টিপস
✔ EXAM TIP |
TIP 1 — Signal Words: "just, already, yet, ever, never, since, for, recently, so far" দেখলেই Present Perfect। TIP 2 — Time Clause: "when, before, after, until, unless, as soon as, by the time, if" এর পরে Future Tense (will) ব্যবহার হয় না। TIP 3 — Backshift: Main clause = Past হলে Sub. clause-এ: Present→Past, will→would, can→could, may→might। TIP 4 — Universal Truth: Scientific fact, proverb, universal truth-এ Main clause Past হলেও Sub. clause-এ Present Tense। TIP 5 — "were" for all: "If I/he/she/it were..." এবং "I wish I/he/she were..." — সব subject-এ "were"। TIP 6 — No sooner: "No sooner" + had + Sub + V3 + THAN (not when/then); "Hardly/Scarcely" + had + Sub + V3 + WHEN। TIP 7 — for vs since: "for" + period (3 years, two days); "since" + specific point (2010, Monday, childhood)। TIP 8 — Stative verbs: "know, believe, love, hate, want, own, belong" — Continuous Tense-এ ব্যবহার হয় না। |
✘ TRAP / WARNING |
TRAP 1: "since" → present perfect; "ago" → simple past। কখনো mix করবে না। TRAP 2: "It is time + Sub + Past" এবং "It is time to + V1" — দুটো আলাদা structure। TRAP 3: "No sooner...than" Inversion আবশ্যক — "No sooner had he" (he had নয়)। TRAP 4: "Would rather I/he + Past Tense" — "would rather" এর নিজের subject + V1; অন্যের subject + Past Tense। TRAP 5: "be used to + V-ing" এবং "used to + V1" — এই পার্থক্য exam-এ বারবার আসে। TRAP 6: "Wish" + present wish → Past Tense; "Wish" + past unfulfilled wish → Past Perfect। |
Quick Reference — Sequence of Tense Summary Table
Main Clause | Sub. Clause (Normal) | Sub. Clause (Exception) | Example |
Present/Future | Any tense OK | — | She thinks he is/was/will be honest. |
Past (Simple) | Simple Past | Universal truth → Present | He said she was ill. / He said water boils at 100°C. |
Past (Simple) | Past Perfect (earlier action) | — | She said she had already left. |
Past (Simple) | would/could/might | — | He said he would come tomorrow. |
Quick Reference — Conditional Tense Summary
Type | If Clause | Main Clause | Fact |
Zero | Simple Present | Simple Present | General truth (হামেশাই সত্য) |
Type 1 (Real) | Simple Present | will + V1 | Possible future condition |
Type 2 (Unreal) | Simple Past (were) | would + V1 | Imaginary present/future |
Type 3 (Impossible) | Past Perfect (had+V3) | would have + V3 | Impossible past — didn't happen |