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English 1b3 Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Verb tenses in this sentence

Are all correct?

Difference in meaning?

Which is best?

Please explain.

Thanks



In the morning I had thought that I would be getting a ride to school tonight. Later I learned that I would have to take the bus.

In the morning I had thought that I was getting a ride to school tonight. Later I learned that I had to take the bus.

In the morning I thought that I would be getting a ride to school tonight. Later I learned that I would have to take the bus.
  

Top answer

The third has the best style. The two sentences are parallel in structure: thought (past, one time event, completed).... would (future to the past event) The past perfect in # 1 and #2 is OK, but it is crying out (to me) for another past time reference.

— AlpheccaStars

  • The third has the best style.
  • The two sentences are parallel in structure: thought (past, one time event, completed)....
  • would (future to the past event) The past perfect in # 1 and #2 is OK, but it is crying out (to me) for another past time reference.
  • Before Mary called this morning, I had thought she was going to give (would be giving) me a ride.
  • That's when I learned that I would have (had) to take the bus.
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3 Answers
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The third has the best style. The two sentences are parallel in structure:

thought (past, one time event, completed).... would (future to the past event)

The past perfect in # 1 and #2 is OK, but it is crying out (to me) for another past time reference.

Before Mary called this morning, I had thought she was going to give (would be giving) me a ride. That's when I learn
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AlpheccaStarsThe past perfect in # 1 and #2 is OK, but it is crying out (to me) for another past time reference.

Hi, AlpheccaStars,

Aren't would be getting and was getting past time reference points, for the past perfect 'had thought'?
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No, because the past time reference point is the point when the past perfect action is completed, not some time after that.

Before Mary called, I had thought she was going to give (would be giving) me a ride.

The event of Mary's call was the point at which the thought of getting a ride with her ended.
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