Sequence of Tenses
With Infinitives and Participles
Like verbs, infinitives and participles are capable of conveying the idea of action in time; therefore, it is important that we observe the appropriate tense sequence when using these modals.
INFINITIVES
Tense of
Infinitive Role of Infinitive Example(s)
Present
Infinitive
(to see) To show same-time action or action later than the verb Coach Espinoza is eager to try out her new drills. [The eagerness is now; the trying out will happen later.]
She would have liked to see more veterans returning. [The present infinitive to see is in the same time as the past would have liked.]


Perfect
Infinitive
(to have seen) To show action earlier than the verb The fans would like to have seen some improvement this year. ["Would like" describes a present condition; "to have seen" describes something prior to that time.]
They consider the team to have been coached very well. [The perfect infinitive to have been coached indicates a time prior to the verb consider.]
PARTICIPLES
Tense of
Participle Role of Participle Example(s)
Present
Participle
(seeing) To show action occurring at the same time as that of the verb Working on the fundamentals, the team slowly began to improve. [The action expressed by began happened in the past, at the same time the working happened.]


Past
Participle
or
Present
Perfect
Participle To show action occurring earlier than that of the verb Prepared by last year's experience, the coach knows not to expect too much. [The action expressed by knows is in the present; prepared expresses a time prior to that time.]
Having experimented with several game plans, the coaching staff devised a master strategy. [The present perfect participle having experimented indicates a time prior to the past tense verb, devised.]