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John liao Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

past perfect in new concept english 2.96

As they are expected to be hungry after their long journey, food is laid out for them. Specially-make lanterns are hung outside each house to help the dead to find their way. All night long, people dance and sing. In the early morning, the food that had been laid out for the dead is thrown into a river or into the sea as it is considered unlucky for anyone living to eat it.

"the food that had been laid out for the dead", why is past perfect used here? Would present perfect be better?
  

Top answer

john liao the food that had been laid out for the dead", why is past perfect used here? No good reason; I think the writer has lost his way among the tenses. john liao Would present perfect be better?

— Mister Micawber

  • john liao the food that had been laid out for the dead", why is past perfect used here?
  • No good reason; I think the writer has lost his way among the tenses.
  • john liao Would present perfect be better?
  • No; that is the wrong emphasis: the laying-out is indeed finished.
  • '
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1 Answers
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john liaothe food that had been laid out for the dead", why is past perfect used here?
No good reason; I think the writer has lost his way among the tenses.
john liaoWould present perfect be better?
No; that is the wrong emphasis: the laying-out is indeed finished. Simple past is the best choice: ...that was laid out...'
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