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Tamguatlay Posted 12 years ago
Grammar
Were speeding vs had been speeding
The vehicles behind were not speeding, otherwise the motorcyclist might have died.
The above is from a local newspaper.
Would it be wrong to use "had been speeding" instead?
Thanks.
The above is from a local newspaper.
Would it be wrong to use "had been speeding" instead?
Thanks.
Top answer
Yes, but 'had not been speeding' is OK.
- Yes, but 'had not been speeding' is OK.
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3 Answers
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Thanks, fivejedjon.
"not" inadvertently left out.
Am I correct to say that the reporter should have used "had not been speeding"?
"not" inadvertently left out.
Am I correct to say that the reporter should have used "had not been speeding"?
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I don't think it's essential. Common sense make the sequence of events clear.
When the sequence of events is clear, native speakers tend to use past perfect forms less than some student grammars appear to suggest they should.
When the sequence of events is clear, native speakers tend to use past perfect forms less than some student grammars appear to suggest they should.
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