[Grammar] "hadn't seen" or "didn't see "

tianhang · Mar 2, 2010

My dear teachers. Your help is appreciated here.

When Helen met Tom on the way, she acted as if she _________ him.

I know we should use subjunctive mood in this sentence.But what should be used in the blank, " hadn't seen " or " didn't see" ? Or are both right?

Right here waiting for your answers. Thanks a lot!

tianhang · Mar 3, 2010

I am waiting for your answers, my dear friends.
Where are you ?

Barb_D · Mar 3, 2010

They both sound okay to me, but I'd use "hadn't" only if something happened after that so she had to acknowledge him.

ianhood · Mar 3, 2010

The two versions are about the same. You will probably find that an American would prefer the "didn't" version, while a British speaker would be more likely to use the "hadn't". I have noticed that Americans use the perfect and pluperfect tenses rather less than Brits, for example "Did you see the new Tom Cruise movie yet?" (American) and "Have you seen the...etc " (Britain).

TheParser · Mar 3, 2010

tianhang said:
My dear teachers. Your help is appreciated here.

When Helen met Tom on the way, she acted as if she _________ him.

I know we should use subjunctive mood in this sentence.But what should be used in the blank, " hadn't seen " or " didn't see" ? Or are both right?

Right here waiting for your answers. Thanks a lot!

***NOT A TEACHER***

Tianhang, good morning.

(1) Yes, both are "good" English.

(2) Nevertheless, if you are studying for a test, I think (I have no proof) that your teacher expects the past perfect = something happened BEFORE something else happened.

(3) When Helen met Tom on the way (at 1:30 p.m.), she acted as if she had not seen him (15 seconds earlier when she noticed that Tom was walking toward her on the same sidewalk).

tianhang · Mar 8, 2010

TO all who has helped me

My dear friends, thanks a lot for your help.Every time I read your posts, I am so touched .I almost know nothing about you, but I get your timely help.What is more, your explanations help me have a better understanding of English.Thanks again!And wish you happy every day!

:up:

2006 · Mar 8, 2010

TheParser;573153 (2) Nevertheless said:
I don't think something happened before something else.
When Helen met Tom on the way, she acted as if she _____ see him.

It seems clear to me that both things happened at the same time. One would have to be very biased toward perfect tense to choose it here. And in my opinion they would be wrong.

[Grammar] "hadn't seen" or "didn't see "

tianhang

Member

tianhang

Member

Barb_D

Moderator

ianhood

Member

TheParser

VIP Member

tianhang

Member

2006

Key Member

Similar threads