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Anonymous Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

ould you please explain this sentence?

Hi!
I have seen the following sentence.
- They gave me four very bad tyres. One of them burst before I had driven four miles. (Thomson&Martinet)
I don't understand why the past perfect tense is used in before I had driven four miles. though I know it is 'after"

Could you please explain it?
  

Top answer

Hi, The Past Perfect emphasizes the sequence of events. But 'before' also makes the sequence clear. So, the Simple Past is often used wih 'before'.

— Clive

  • Hi, The Past Perfect emphasizes the sequence of events.
  • But 'before' also makes the sequence clear.
  • So, the Simple Past is often used wih 'before'.
  • ie One of them burst before I drove four miles.
  • Clive
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3 Answers
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Hi,

The Past Perfect emphasizes the sequence of events. But 'before' also makes the sequence clear.
So, the Simple Past is often used wih 'before'.
ie One of them burst before I drove four miles.

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Double emphasize the sequence and your utter dismay with: One burst even before I had driven a measly total of four miles. Thanks
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