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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Past Perfect

The show started half an hour before the children arrived.

The show had started half an hour before the children arrived.

Which is the correct sentence? Or are both correct?

Thanks.
  

Top answer

Hi, The show started half an hour before the children arrived. (simple past + simple past ) The show had started half an hour before the children arrived. (past perfect + simple past) Both seem correct to me.

— Dokterjokkebrok

  • Hi, The show started half an hour before the children arrived.
  • (simple past + simple past ) The show had started half an hour before the children arrived.
  • (past perfect + simple past) Both seem correct to me.
  • e.
  • the use of 'before'.
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3 Answers
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Hi,
  • The show started half an hour before the children arrived. (simple past + simple past )
  • The show had started half an hour before the children arrived. (past perfect + simple past)
Both seem correct to me. The reason for that, I think, is that the order of events is already clear from the context – i.e. the use of 'before'.

Regards,
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Hi, I think we can use the 2nd sentence if we want to determine to the result of the action i. e.The show had started half an hour before the children arrived. (to make it clear that the children were late for it).
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heleto make it clear that the children were late for it
Both sentences do this. Both are correct. The first is more likely to be said, in my opinion.

CJ
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