I completed or I had completed?

Question

Hi guys, thx for reading my question again....I am confused....

Do I say:

I had completed my degree in 2005, or

I completed my degree in 2005?

A particular year was mentioned, so I should use simple past, but at the same time, it look me a few years to complete the degree, so a past particuple maybe more appropriate? I am confused, pls help....Thx.

JohnParis · Accepted Answer

Technically, you didn't complete your degree in 2005 because a degree is an academic rank conferred by a college or university after examination or after completion of a course of study, or conferred as an honor on a distinguished person. It's a thing (noun). What you did was complete the requirements necessary to obtain a degree in 2005. So, you may wish to say:

I completed the requirements for my degree in 2005.

or

I received my degree in 2005. (my preference)

or even

My degree was conferred in 2005.

Peterchan · Answer

Thx for your quick response, how about if we change the sentences to:

I completed the course in 2005, or

I had completed the course in 2005? (it took a few yrs to complete the course)

As mentioned, a particular year was mentioned, so I should use simple past, but it took a few yrs to "complete the course", so I should use past participle, which one should prevail?

Thx.

JohnParis · Answer

"I completed the course in 2005" is perfect.

If, however, you must tell someone that it took you several years to complete the course, using "I had completed the course in 2005" does not do the job. You need to supply more information.

Finally, I completed the course in 2005 and was able to go forward with my ambitions.

I finally completed the course in 2005 after starting in 2002.

It took a few years to complete the course, but I finished it in 2005.

Here is an interesting post on the forum about "have to" and "had to". It may help you.

Hope this helps.

I completed or I had completed?

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