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PreciousJones Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

hadn't been

Talking about filming a documentary on a celebrity. I say:

When we approached him, he hadn't been in the NBA yet. Or

When we approached him, he wasn't in the NBA yet.

Are both useable?
  

Top answer

They both make sense to me. I think the first might indicate that his being in the NBA is now finished, but context would make the situation clear.

— Philip

  • They both make sense to me.
  • I think the first might indicate that his being in the NBA is now finished, but context would make the situation clear.
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3 Answers
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They both make sense to me. I think the first might indicate that his being in the NBA is now finished, but context would make the situation clear.
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PhilipThey both make sense to me. I think the first might indicate that his being in the NBA is now finished, but context would make the situation clear.
Basically the director of the documentary is saying that when he approached the athlete about doing a documentary on him, the athlete was still in college.

Which one would be the better choice?
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For the reason I mentioned above, I think I'd go with wasn't.
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