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Yellowstarstruck Posted 10 years ago
Grammar
Past Tense
Are both acceptable? What is the grammatical difference? Thanks, Fulvio
1. How long did you grandmother live in Hong Kong?
2. How long had your grandmother lived in Hong Kong?
1. How long did you grandmother live in Hong Kong?
2. How long had your grandmother lived in Hong Kong?
Top answer
"had lived" is relative to a past point in time. This point in time must be mentioned, or be able to be understood from the general context. " (1) does not have this "relative" aspect and can be used without such additional context.
- "had lived" is relative to a past point in time.
- This point in time must be mentioned, or be able to be understood from the general context.
- " (1) does not have this "relative" aspect and can be used without such additional context.
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1 Answers
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"had lived" is relative to a past point in time. This point in time must be mentioned, or be able to be understood from the general context. For example, "At the time she died, how long had your grandmother lived in Hong Kong?"
(1) does not have this "relative" aspect and can be used without such additional context.
(1) does not have this "relative" aspect and can be used without such additional context.
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