[Grammar] In 5 years vs 5 years later

[MichaelLu2000]

Hello guys!

I would like to know in the following sentence which one should be used: In 5 years or 5 years later.

In 1939, the Germans did not know their leader was going to bring total destruction to their country in 5 years/5 years later.

Note that here I am referring to 5 years after 1939, not within 5 years of time.

Thank you.

 

[Yankee]

Both work.

 

[jutfrank]

I suggest using within five years, and rephrasing the sentence a little.

In 1939, the German people were unaware that within five years their leader would have brought total destruction to their country.

Are you meaning to emphasise the fact that the bringing of total destruction happened in 1944 or that it had happened by 1944? My suggested phrasing assumes you mean the latter. At least, that's what makes more sense to me.

 

[MichaelLu2000]

I suggest using within five years, and rephrasing the sentence a little.

In 1939, the German people were unaware that within five years their leader would have brought total destruction to their country.

Are you meaning to emphasise the fact that the bringing of total destruction happened in 1944 or that it had happened by 1944? My suggested phrasing assumes you mean the latter. At least, that's what makes more sense to me.

I am actually saying that it happened in 1945. Sorry for my bad calculation.

 

[bubbha]

Note: don't use "five years later" if the point of time reference is now.

 

[MichaelLu2000]

Note: don't use "five years later" if the point of time reference is now.

I think it's a matter of the point of view. For example: He called me and told me that he was coming in 5 minutes. For me at that time, he "is" actually coming in five minutes.

 

[jutfrank]

I think it's a matter of the point of view. For example: He called me and told me that he was coming in 5 minutes. For me at that time, he "is" actually coming in five minutes.

That's true but it's not relevant to bubbha's advice, which you quoted.