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Minhuoc Posted 20 years ago
Grammar

he was unemployed for two years

Hi,

Which tense would you use here? The past or the past perfect? I think the second is the best choice.

1."After Jack lost his job, he was unemployed for two years."

2."After Jack had lost his job, he was unemployed for two years."

Thanks
  

Top answer

I would choose the first. After makes the sequence of events clear.

— Mister Micawber

  • I would choose the first.
  • After makes the sequence of events clear.
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4 Answers
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I would choose the first. After makes the sequence of events clear.
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Hi,

If you chose the first, could I change "After" into "When"

"When Jack lost his job, he was unemployed for two years."

Thanks.
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I suppose so, but it is less clear to me what is going on.
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Both correct.
1 is 2 after tense simplification
(past perfect - > simple perfect, in the subordinate, see Swan)
1 is probably more frequent nowadays.
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