[Grammar] bought or Had bought

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Will17

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 28, 2008
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
French
Home Country
France
Current Location
UK
Hello,

Can the past simple and past perfect be used interchangeably in this case, please? :

"I don't know when they did it but she told me that they bought/had bought a house in Paris".

Thank you very much for your help.
Will
 

bhaisahab

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Apr 12, 2008
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Retired English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
England
Current Location
Ireland
Hello,

Can the past simple and past perfect be used interchangeably in this case, please? :

"I don't know when they did it but she told me that they bought/had bought a house in Paris".

Thank you very much for your help.
Will

I wouldn't, I'd use past perfect.
 

5jj

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Oct 14, 2010
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
Czech Republic
Current Location
Czech Republic
As I frequently point out in this forum, native speakers use the past perfect less than grammars and course books suggest they do. However, there are times when it is the appropriate form. I agree with bhai - this is one of those times.
 
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