Before

He died before he tried.

(The story of my life)

We use simple past if we give past events in the order in which they occured. However, when we look back from a certain time in the past to tell what had happened before we use past perfect.
So the question is,  Do you need just to tell what happened in the past, or to tell what had happened before a certain time in the past .. ?
For example
Last year, after the final exams , i

Hi YoungBuddy,

Your use of past in the first sentence and past perfect in the second makes it read naturally.

Do remember that "I" is capitalized in English, though.

aha, considering u seem like an expert, I would like to confirm something. I know this might be not important but I would like to sharpen up my english anyway.

so, if if I use past tense at first, does it mean I have to use past tense at the last sentence?
for e.g.

I went to the beach just now and it is quite good.

and

for e.g. after I said somethin

Just a note on personal preference here. I realize that everyone understands the intent of the original sentence, but I can't get over the idea that it is inherent that he tried after [the logical opposite of 'before'] he died.

[He ate his vegetables before he had dessert. - he did both actions]

So, I would express it with 'without [ever] trying'.

PhilipI can't get over the idea that it is inherent that he tried after [the logical opposite of 'before'] he died.

Time to get over it! That's why GG wants the past perfect. It signifies the non-completion of the situation in the before clause (as well as the intention to complete it). The situation in the main clause interrupts the co

CalifJim

PhilipI can't get over the idea that it is inherent that he tried after [the logical opposite of 'before'] he died.

Time to get over it! That's why GG wants the past perfect. It signifies the non-completion of the situation in the before clause (as well as the intention to complete it). The situation in