Eğer erken gelirsen, birlikte kahvaltı yaparız.
English: If you come early, we will have breakfast together.
- Language
- Turkish
- Level
- B2
- Unit
- Zaman ve sıralama
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
In Turkish, 'zaman uyumu' means 'tense harmony'. It refers to using the same or compatible tenses in main and subordinate clauses within a sentence. This helps sentences sound natural and logical.
When to use it
Use tense harmony when you connect two clauses, especially with words like 'eğer' (if), 'çünkü' (because), or 'ki' (that). The tenses in both parts should match or be logically connected.
Key forms
- Eğer + geçmiş zaman, ... geçmiş zaman: Eğer geldiyse, gördü.
- Eğer + şimdiki zaman, ... şimdiki zaman: Eğer geliyorsa, görüyor.
- Eğer + gelecek zaman, ... gelecek zaman: Eğer gelecekse, görecek.
Examples
Ders çalıştıktan sonra, dışarı çıkacağım.
English: After I study, I will go out.
Beni ararsa, ona haber veririm.
English: If he calls me, I will inform him.
Yağmur yağarsa, evde kalırız.
English: If it rains, we stay at home.
Tips
- Try to keep the tenses the same in both clauses unless there is a special reason to change.
- In indirect speech, you often need to shift the tense in the second clause to match the main verb.
- Pay attention to time expressions (like 'dün', 'yarın') to choose the correct tense.
Exceptions and edge cases
- Sometimes, for emphasis or style, Turkish speakers may intentionally break tense harmony, but this is rare.