[Grammar] Sequence of tenses

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Will17

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Hello!

Which is better here, the past simple or the past perfect?

"When I arrived, my father told me he was angry because the chemist said he didn't pay the bill/he hadn't paid the bill".


Thanks a lot for your help.

Will
 

Jagrati

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:roll:Didn't pay the bill sounds vernacular
 

5jj

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"When I arrived, my father told me he was angry because the chemist said he didn't pay the bill/he hadn't paid the bill".
Both are possible.
 

Rover_KE

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:roll:'Didn't pay the bill' sounds vernacular.

Welcome to the forum, Jagrati.

Please read the Posting Guidelines – especially this bit:

You are welcome to answer questions posted in the Ask a Teacher forum as long as your suggestions, help, and advice reflect a good understanding of the English language. If you are not a teacher, you will need to state that clearly at the top of your post.

​Rover
 
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