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Old 17-Oct-2006, 20:47
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Default Re: prevented vs had prevented

Quote:
Originally Posted by jose rocha View Post
Which tense fits better the passage below? Why?
Suddenly the police showed up and caught Maria in a violent way; she made a sign trying to say something but the police officers ___________(prevented/ had prevented) her from doing it. She was taken to the patrol car.

Thanks a million for your help.
I agree with the simple past tense choice.

The second part of your first sentence is odd. It has Maria making a sign and the police preventing her from doing so. Try: she tried to make a sign...but the police offers prevented her....
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