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Ann225 Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

I invited him to the wedding but I remember that at first I was a bit reluctant to call him. I was still very angry with him after all.

Now if I wanted to explain why he made me feel so angry, would I have to say it all in the past perfect? Something like: I was very angry with him because when I'd been in New York I'd called him and he hadn't picked up the phone. I remember that I really needed his support back then.

Thank you. Emotion: smile
  

Top answer

Ann225 Now if I wanted to explain why he made me feel so angry, would I have to say it all in the past perfect? No. Anger never occurs before the actions that provoke it, so the time sequence is clear even if you don't use the past perfect.

— CalifJim

  • Ann225 Now if I wanted to explain why he made me feel so angry, would I have to say it all in the past perfect?
  • No.
  • Anger never occurs before the actions that provoke it, so the time sequence is clear even if you don't use the past perfect.
  • Action first; anger after.
  • CJ
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3 Answers
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Ann225Now if I wanted to explain why he made me feel so angry, would I have to say it all in the past perfect?
No. Anger never occurs before the actions that provoke it, so the time sequence is clear even if you don't use the past perfect. Action first; anger after.

CJ
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But I'd be talking about something that happened before inviting him. You would still stick to the past simple?
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Ann225But I'd be talking about something that happened before inviting him. You would still stick to the past simple?
You can do it with the past perfect or with the simple past. As I said, you don't have to do it all in the past perfect.

CJ
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