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Sadee Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

A difference

His daughter grew up when he was away.
His daughter had grown up when he was away.

What's the difference?
  

Top answer

Sadee difference? His daughter grew up when he was away. Present point of view, looking back into the past.

— CalifJim

  • Sadee difference?
  • His daughter grew up when he was away.
  • Present point of view, looking back into the past.
  • His daughter had grown up when he was away.
  • Past point of view, looking back even further into the past.
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10 Answers
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Sadeedifference?
His daughter grew up when he was away. Present point of view, looking back into the past.
His daughter had grown up when he was away. Past point of view, looking back even further into the past.

The point of view must be established earlier in the text, espe
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Could you please clarify more?

Thank you.
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Are they totally different?
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Does the second sentence report the time-point at which he returned rather than the fact that his daughter grew up during the time he was away?
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SadeeAre they totally different?
No. Just the point of view is different.

If the text or conversation that precedes this sentence is in the present tense, use the first one.
If the text or conversation that precedes this sentence is in the past tense, use the second one.

CJ
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Sadee Does the second sentence report the time-point at which he returned rather than the fact that his daughter grew up during the time he was away?
No, not really. Both sentences mention both facts. His daughter grew up. He was away at that time.

CJ
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I cannot understand what you mean by past and present tense because both sentences are in the past tense!
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SadeeI cannot understand what you mean by past and present tense because both sentences are in the past tense!
The first sentence is in the past tense. The second sentence is in the past perfect tense. Those are two different tenses.

However, that is not what I was talking about. Do you understand what "preceding text" means? It's the sente
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Could you please provide some examples in order to make sure whether I understand or not?

Thank you very much.
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Mr. Gee had to leave his wife and baby daughter because there were no jobs to be found in the village. They were all hungry. So Mr. Gee went to the city and got a job in a factory. It was hard work, long hours and low pay. He sent all his money to his wife to support the family. He could not leave his job because he had no leave. Besides, he had no money for the trip. Finally, after many long yea
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