Which tense would you choose?

teacherJapanAre they both possible?

Marginally.

teacherJapanWhich would you choose personally?

There is no call for the past perfect. Frankly, I wish students would forget about that verb form and work on something more practical.

I couldn't agree with you more on that subject. I think we Japanese teachers tend to put too much emphasis on something which shouldn't require too much attention:( It seems that how we teach English has been greatly influenced by how we were taught that subject back in high school, to our regret. I've been trying hard to grow out of it and teach my students what matters most:) However, in re

Mister MicawberThere is no call for the past perfect. Frankly, I wish students would forget about that verb form and work on something more practical.

I think a government health warning should be added to every section on the past perfect in every course book and student grammar "This tense/aspect can seriously damage your fluency'".

I would like know, out of pure curiosity, in what context native speakers would use "past perfect." I hope I can share your thoughts with them if that's not too much trouble.

Judging by what you two say, past perfect does seem to do more harm than good:(

teacherJapanQuote I would like know, out of pure curiosity, in what context native speakers would use "past perfect."

It is essential in counterfactual past conditions: If my wife had not left me, I would have stayed in England. However, it is possible to go quite happily through life without ever needing to hypothesise in this way.

As most teac

I concur completely.

fivejedjonIt's just that some teachers seem to attach a lot of importance to it.

It is because it is a grammar point easy to make and grade quizzes for, I think.

fivejedjonI have similar thoughts on the time spent getting learners to turn direct into indirect speech or active constructions into passive, ....)

Oh, I see. Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts:) I'll try not to put unnecessary emphasis on that particular grammar point.

teacherJapan I would like know, out of pure curiosity, in what context native speakers would use "past perfect." I hope I can share your thoughts with them if that's not too much trouble.

I agree that most basic English communication can be conducted without any need for the past perfect, but in more advanced English, especially advanced writing, cases arise w

I feel I have to put my two cents in.

I am quite a fan of the past perfect.

There. I've said it. I'm glad I said it. And I'm not going to take it back.