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Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Two sentence corrections

I'm sorry we hadn't gotten the chance to know each other.
or
I'm sorry we haven't gotten the chance to know each other.

What's the difference between these two sentences?
  

Top answer

The first one is of questionable composition without further context, but it means that the chance is gone; it is irretrievably in the past, before another past event. The second sentence leaves open the possibility of another chance now or in the future.

— Mister Micawber

  • The first one is of questionable composition without further context, but it means that the chance is gone; it is irretrievably in the past, before another past event.
  • The second sentence leaves open the possibility of another chance now or in the future.
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3 Answers
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The first one is of questionable composition without further context, but it means that the chance is gone; it is irretrievably in the past, before another past event.

The second sentence leaves open the possibility of another chance now or in the future.
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AnonymousI'm sorry we haven't gotten the chance to know each other.
Use this one. Or,

I was sorry we hadn't gotten the chance to know each other.

The difference is 'present' and 'past'.

CJ
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Hi,

Where I live, I don't hear people use 'gotten' much.

I'd commonly say

'I'm sorry we didn't get the chance to know each other' or

'I'm sorry we haven't had the chance to know each other'.

Bst wishes, Clive
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