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Dowser54 Posted 9 years ago
Grammar

Past perfect/simple

Not ten minutes had passed when he decided to retreat. I think the past perfect would be more appropriate here, as "not ten minutes passed" sounds somewhat wrong, but I would like an explanation.

  

Top answer

" Past perfect prior to past tense 'decided'.

— Wilpeter

  • " Past perfect prior to past tense 'decided'.
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2 Answers
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It might sound better as: "Not ten minutes had passed before he decided to retreat."

Past perfect prior to past tense 'decided'.

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dowser54Not ten minutes had passed when he decided to retreat. I think the past perfect would be more appropriate here.

As do I. 'When' is an ambiguous conjunction.

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