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Pokh Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Past Perfect

The voluminous personal papers of Thomas Alva Edison reveal that his inventions typically did not spring to life in a flash of inspiration but had slowly evolved/ SLOWLY EVOLVED from previous works.

Guys,

Which one is correct....To me past perfect looks good coz springing to life happens after evolving ...but ETS prefers second one ...Please explain..

Thank you
  

Top answer

Either will work, but I would use simple past in parallel with the simple past of 'did not spring'.

— Mister Micawber

  • Either will work, but I would use simple past in parallel with the simple past of 'did not spring'.
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3 Answers
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Either will work, but I would use simple past in parallel with the simple past of 'did not spring'.
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If so doesn't it imply evolve is contemporaneous with spring... Is it logical?

Thank you
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Yes: they are two alternative theories: Edison's inventions sprang to life immediately or evolved over time.
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