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Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Grammar
Use of past perfect
Hi. I think the past perfect tense "had refused" after the conjunction "but" need not be used (eventhough using it is not incorrect) but the past tense "refused" can be used, too. What do you think?
Prior to the incident, they had tried to get his consent, but he had refused to give it.
Prior to the incident, they had tried to get his consent, but he had refused to give it.
Top answer
I agree that the perfect aspect is not necessary, but it seems to me better to use it here, as the speaker seems to wish to emphasize the priority of both actions.
- I agree that the perfect aspect is not necessary, but it seems to me better to use it here, as the speaker seems to wish to emphasize the priority of both actions.
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1 Answers
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I agree that the perfect aspect is not necessary, but it seems to me better to use it here, as the speaker seems to wish to emphasize the priority of both actions.
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