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Cup cake Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

Past continuous example

Hi Everyone,

How does the following sentence sound?

1. 'Steven's overalls were dirty because he was fixing his car.'

I think you'd say this if someone asked you, 'Why were Steven's overalls so dirty?'

However, I prefer this sentence:

2. 'Steven's overalls were dirty because he had been fixing his car.'

Is the ONLY reason to use past continuous, in this example, based on answering such a question?

I know; it's all to do with context. However, which example do you prefer: 1 or 2?

Thanks
CC Emotion: thinking
  

Top answer

As you say, it's all to do with context. If he was in the middle of the job, both are possible. If he was no longer working, then the past perfect is the more appropriate form.

— Fivejedjon

  • As you say, it's all to do with context.
  • If he was in the middle of the job, both are possible.
  • If he was no longer working, then the past perfect is the more appropriate form.
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2 Answers
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As you say, it's all to do with context. If he was in the middle of the job, both are possible. If he was no longer working, then the past perfect is the more appropriate form.
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