We were elated to learn that our class won/ had won the Cleanest Class Award.

[kohyoongliat]

We were elated to learn that our class had won the Cleanest Class Award.

Would it also be correct if I used "won'" in place of 'had won'?

Thanks.

 

[bhaisahab]

We were elated to learn that our class had won the Cleanest Class Award.

Would it also be correct if I used "won'" in place of 'had won'?

Thanks.

No.

 

[probus]

I agree with bhaisahib completely, but have to admit that the simple past is often heard in place of the past perfect in AmE. In my opinion, most native speakers of AmE no longer get the point of the past perfect tense.

 

[5jj]

I agree with bhaisahib completely, but have to admit that the simple past is often heard in place of the past perfect in AmE. In my opinion, most native speakers of AmE no longer get the point of the past perfect tense.

In this forum, bhai (BrE)gave the one-word response 'No'. In another forum, a senior member (AmE) gave the one-word response 'Yes'.

 

[MikeNewYork]

I agree with bhaisahib completely, but have to admit that the simple past is often heard in place of the past perfect in AmE. In my opinion, most native speakers of AmE no longer get the point of the past perfect tense.

For me, timing is everything when considering the past perfect tense. In this case, it depends on the length of time between the award and the statement. If the two events were close in time, I would use the simple past. If the statement occurred later, I would use the past perfect.

 

[bhaisahab]

To me it seems incomplete/wrong without "had".