I hadn't thought of that. Why Past Perfect?
Hello!
Could you help me, please? In my Student's Book there is a dialogue:
- Don't forget to take a map.
- That's a good idea. I hadn't thought of that.
Why do they say there "hadn't", not "haven't", why Past Perfect, not Present Perfect?
Thank you!
Top answer
Past perfect is used to refers to the time previous to past. The advice—don't forget to take a map—is probably for a future attempt after the first attempt is over. The first attempt is past now.
- Past perfect is used to refers to the time previous to past.
- The advice—don't forget to take a map—is probably for a future attempt after the first attempt is over.
- The first attempt is past now.
- Thus, when the person refers to the time earlier than that, he or she uses past perfect.
- Here is an example: Assume I visit your place to teach you a concept.
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Past perfect is used to refers to the time previous to past.
The advice—don't forget to take a map—is probably for a future attempt after the first attempt is over. The first attempt is past now. Thus, when the person refers to the time earlier than that, he or she uses past perfect.
Here is an example:
Assume I visit your place to teach you a concept. After I finish te
0Maria DThat's a good idea. I hadn't thought of that.
I hadn't thought of that before you told me about it.
"I hadn't thought of that" is a conversational formula, just as automatic as "Good morning" or "please" and "thank you". That means people just say it without thinking about why they say it or if it makes sense. Learners should memorize
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