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Faizaxo Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

Past simple vs past perfect using 'after'

I would really appreciate it if someone could answer the following question:

What is the difference between saying:

1) I met her 2 years ago after she had left the hospital.

2) I met her 2 years ago after she left the hospital.

I know they're both technically correct, but what is the difference if any?

Thanks in advance!
  

Top answer

Welcome to the Forum! The past perfect can be used to put actions in order. (The tense is used for "past in the past") Since your sentence #2 is clear enough, past perfect is probably not necessary.

— Vorpar

  • Welcome to the Forum!
  • The past perfect can be used to put actions in order.
  • (The tense is used for "past in the past") Since your sentence #2 is clear enough, past perfect is probably not necessary.
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3 Answers
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Welcome to the Forum!

The past perfect can be used to put actions in order. (The tense is used for "past in the past")

Since your sentence #2 is clear enough, past perfect is probably not necessary.
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FaizaxoI know they're both technically correct, but what is the difference if any?
The past perfect tense is highly dependent on what was said previously to establish the time frame of the narrative.

You know, she was in the hospital for several months after she had that accident, but I didn't know her then. I just met her 2 years ago, and she had
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I think I would be more likely to use (1). To me, (2) seems to suggest that I met her immediately after she left hospital, but if I really meant that then I would probably reinforce or clarify it by adding a word like "just".
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