Gave/had given ... still don't 'get it'

Question

Are both sentences below saying the same thing? If not, what's the difference in meaning?

Last month, my boss gave me a raise.

Last month, my boss had given me a raise.

I have read the book that you had given me.
I have read the book that you gave me.
Are both correct grammatically as well?

Is there really a difference? Which is correct? Can anybody succinctly explain the difference so that I 'get it'?

Thanks.

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

Are both sentences below saying the same thing? No.

If not, what's the difference in meaning?

Let's focus on the raise examples.

And let's assume that last month was May.

Last month, my boss gave me a raise. He gave me a raise in May.

Last month, my boss had given me a raise. This sounds like he gave me a raise before May. In May, I was in a situation where the raise had importance to me, ie I was benefitting from the raise.

You are telling me about the good fonancial situation yu were enjoying in May.This sentence sounds a bit like it should be followed by another, contrasting sentence such as this.

However, at the start of the current month I was fired for no reason and now I can't pay my rent.

Let me offer a couple of simpler examples.

At 6 pm, Mary cooked dinner. This means she started to cook it at 6 pm.

At 6 pm, Mary had cooked dinner. This means she finished cooking it before 6 pm. (eg at 6 pm, dinner was sitting ready on the table.)

Do you get it, or do you need more help?

Clive

Gave/had given ... still don't 'get it'

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