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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Before and past perfect

Hi,

This is the instance: Before I got there, he left.

Must it be 'he had left'? I am guessing no ... both simple past and past perfect are okay here.

Regards,
  

Top answer

Hi, The Simple Past is commonly used in such sentences rather than the Past Perfect, because the word 'before' makes the sequence of events cl;ear. Compare this example, where the Past Perfect is needed. I got there.

— Clive

  • Hi, The Simple Past is commonly used in such sentences rather than the Past Perfect, because the word 'before' makes the sequence of events cl;ear.
  • Compare this example, where the Past Perfect is needed.
  • I got there.
  • He had left.
  • Clive
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1 Answers
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Hi,
The Simple Past is commonly used in such sentences rather than the Past Perfect, because the word 'before' makes the sequence of events cl;ear.

Compare this example, where the Past Perfect is needed.

I got there.
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