Unusual (Special) Usages of Tenses

“Unusual tense usage” refers to instances where the grammatical form of a tense does not align with its typical time reference (e.g., using a past form for a present meaning), or when specific tenses are employed for stylistic effect or to convey particular nuances.

I. Subjunctive and counterfactual pasts

These forms use a past tense to refer to a non-past (present or future) situation that is hypothetical, desired, or contrary to fact.

Present subjunctive (base form): used for recommendations, demands, or wishes, often without -s for third-person singular.

• It is crucial that he be informed. (instead of is)
• I move that the meeting be adjourned.
• The committee demands that he be here by noon. (instead of is)
• It is imperative that she finish the report today. (instead of finishes)
• Long live the King! (optative, instead of lives)

Past subjunctive / modal past: uses the past simple form for present/future hypotheticals, wishes, or preferences.

• If I were rich, I’d buy an island. (instead of was)
• I wish she knew the truth now. (referring to a present state)
• I’d rather you came tomorrow. (referring to a future action)
• If only I could fly. (referring to a present ability)
• If I were a millionaire, I’d travel the world.
• If I were you, I’d leave immediately.
• She acts as though she were the boss. (instead of was)
• I’d rather/sooner he went home now.
  • Unusual usage: “went” (past simple) is used to express a preference for a present or future action, not a past one.
  • Subjunctive connection: this construction functions like a past subjunctive, indicating a hypothetical or desired situation contrary to present reality, or a strong preference. The past tense here marks unreality or remoteness, not past time.
• I wish he stopped now.
  • Unusual usage: “stopped” (past simple) expresses a wish about a present situation that is contrary to fact.
  • Subjunctive connection: similar to “I’d rather,” the past simple after “wish” acts as a past subjunctive equivalent. It expresses regret or a desire for a present reality that is different from what it actually is.
• If only I could go now.
  • Unusual usage: “could” (past modal) expresses a wish for a present ability or possibility that the speaker doesn’t have.
  • Subjunctive connection: “if only” introduces a counterfactual situation. “Could” is the past form of “can” and serves as a past subjunctive equivalent here, conveying a hypothetical ability or a strong, often unfulfillable, desire for the present.

Inverted conditional (implied subjunctive)

• Were I to win the lottery, I would retire immediately. (instead of “If I were to win…”)

II. The historical and narrative present

These usages employ the present tense to describe past events for vividness or to discuss creative works.

• Historical present: uses the simple present to narrate past events as if they are happening now, to create immediacy.
  • In 1776, the Founding Fathers sign the Declaration of Independence.
  • So, I walk into the room, and there he is!
• Narrative / literary present: used when discussing events within a work of fiction, a play, or a piece of art.
  • Hamlet grapples with existential dread throughout the play.
  • The painting depicts a serene landscape.

III. Tense for future events

Sometimes, non-future tenses are used to express future actions, especially if they are fixed or planned.

• Scheduled future (present simple): used for events fixed by a timetable or schedule.
  • The train leaves at 7 PM.
  • Our flight departs next Tuesday.
• Future in the past: describes an action that was future from a past perspective, often using “would” or “was going to.”
  • She said she would call later. (from “I will call later”)
  • I thought he was going to arrive yesterday. (from “He is going to arrive today,” said yesterday)

IV. Less common but grammatically correct tenses

While not strictly “unusual” in terms of deviation from time reference, these tenses are less frequently encountered in everyday speech due to their complex structure or specific meaning.

• Future perfect continuous: describes an action that will have been ongoing up to a specific point in the future.
  • By Christmas, I will have been studying French for five years.

V. Present perfect in past meaning

• He might have taken the other train yesterday.
• She must have been there an hour ago.

VI. “Could” in present meaning

• He could be hurt (now). Maybe he is hurt.
• If only I could go now.

VII. In conditionals

• Past perfect instead of simple past
  • Hypothetical situation in the past: If I had come home earlier, I would have seen him.
• Past simple in present meaning
  • Hypothetical situation in the present: If I won the lottery, I’d travel the world.