NairobitimeTalking about how badly -mannered some people are in this world: They hadn't been taught any better. VS They weren't taught any better.
What should be the right correct phrase?

The answer to your question depends on the context.

We were talking about how some people in third world countries are terribly mannered. And my friend muttered, "they hadn't been taught any better." I'm curious if both wasn't and hadn't can be used here.

In that context, Thy haven't been' is the form I'd use. 'They weren't' is fine. The post perfect is not appropriate.

Bad people exist across the entire world, third world or not.

What if I added: They hadn't been taught better when they were growing up.

fivejedjonIn that context, Thy haven't been' is the form I'd use. 'They weren't' is fine. The post perfect is not appropriate.

NairobitimeWhat if I added: They hadn't been taught better when they were growing up.

It's still simpler and more natural to say, " They weren't taught better when they were growing up".

I'm finding a tough time trying to use the past perfect tense in real life conversation. Any clues?

fivejedjon NairobitimeWhat if I added: They hadn't been taught better when they were growing up.It's still simpler and more natural to say, " They weren't taught better when they were growing up".