my internet access had been/was suspended

EngLearner

Member
Joined
May 13, 2023
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Ukrainian
Home Country
Ukraine
Current Location
Ukraine
John sends Bob a message on Skype, but Bob doesn't reply to it right away. The next day, he replies to it. John asks him why he didn't reply the day before, and Bob says:

1. I didn't reply to your message because I hadn't paid my internet bill, and my internet access had been suspended.

2. I didn't reply to your message because I hadn't paid my internet bill, and my internet access was suspended.


Which of the above versions should be used in the context given?
 

Piscean

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 12, 2015
Member Type
Retired English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
Europe
Current Location
Czech Republic
John sends Bob a message on Skype, but Bob doesn't reply to it right away. The next day, he replies to it. John asks him why he didn't reply the day before, and Bob says:

1. I didn't reply to your message because I hadn't paid my internet bill, and my internet access had been suspended.

2. I didn't reply to your message because I hadn't paid my internet bill, and my internet access was suspended.


Which of the above versions should be used in the context given?
I think both forms are possible:

It had been suspended (action) before the message was sent;
It was suspended (state) at the time the message was sent.
 
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