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Knightofsports Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

were

We didn't want to be there because we had been told by the court system that it wouldn't make a difference. Or

We didn't want to be there because we were told by the court system that it wouldn't make a difference.

What's the difference between the two usages?

Thanks!
  

Top answer

Knightofsports What's the difference between the two usages? None, really. It's so common to substitute the past ( were told ) for the past perfect ( had been told ) that the two versions don't differ in meaning.

— CalifJim

  • Knightofsports What's the difference between the two usages?
  • None, really.
  • It's so common to substitute the past ( were told ) for the past perfect ( had been told ) that the two versions don't differ in meaning.
  • Strictly speaking, it's had been told because being told (which is the cause of not wanting to be there) happened before not wanting to be there.
  • CJ
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1 Answers
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KnightofsportsWhat's the difference between the two usages?
None, really. It's so common to substitute the past (were told) for the past perfect (had been told) that the two versions don't differ in meaning. Strictly speaking, it's had been told because being told (which is the cause of not wanting to be there) happened before not wantin
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