Need help on this sentence.

[michael281001]

For previous, previous, previous, previous, can i say four times ago before the last time? Or can i say the last four time?

 

[Barb_D]

No. It sounds like you're being overly emphatic is saying "a long time ago."

In the [trial/run/experience/occurrence/instance/whatever] four times before this one,

 

[2006]

For previous, previous, previous, previous, can i say four times ago before the last time? no Or can i say the last four time? no

Do you mean the 'fourth-last time'? (not the last time, not the second-last time, not the third-last time, but the fourth-last time)

 

[michael281001]

Thanks 2006, i think i have found the word. The fourth-last time, the fifth-last time. Yupe, i think that is what i was looking for. I meant to say, the four times ago, kind of. Fourth-last time would be a more appropriate word in this case. Thanks for your help.

 

[5jj]

I have to warn you that I doubt if any native speaker would actually use this, and many would be surprised if they heard it.

 

[2006]

I have to warn you that I doubt if any native speaker would actually use this, and many would be surprised if they heard it.

That's true. You will hear "the last time" a lot. But the others are used infrequently to almost never, because the chance to use them doesn't often arise. But they can correctly express the intended meaning.

 

[susiedq]

She has stolen money previously four times.

This is the fourth time she has stolen money.

 

[5jj]

She has stolen money previously four times.

This is the fourth time she has stolen money.

(On the) first occasion, it was from her mother's purse; the next/second time she stole from school friends; last time it was shoplifting at the local convenience store; this time she ....

 

[Barb_D]

I did not understand it to be each time of the last four times, but only four times ago.

For example, trials 1 through 7 and their results:
1: A
2: A
3: B
4: A
5: A
6: A
7: B

Just finished 7: We got result B, the same result we got four times ago.

 

[2006]

I did not understand it to be each time of the last four times, but only four times ago. Me too, and Michael281001 seemed to confirm that that was his intended meaning.
For example, trials 1 through 7 and their results:
1: A
2: A
3: B
4: A
5: A
6: A
7: B

Just finished 7: We got result B, the same result we got four times ago.

But "four times ago" is unclear. Does "four times ago" include the (last)(7th) time? If so, it would be the same result we got five times ago.

 

[Barb_D]

I agree. It would be more clear to say "Trial 3."

 

[5jj]

I agree. It would be more clear to say "Trial 3."

Or: The third time.

 

[michael281001]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I think 4 times ago and the last fourth-time have the same meaning isn't it?

 

[2006]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I think 4 times ago and the fourth-last time have the same meaning don't they? I would say so. I think the 'last time' would be equivalent to 'the first time ago', even though we never actually say 'the first time ago'!

In post 10, I said "four times ago" was unclear, but the comment was directed at that particular situation.

Don't ask any more questions about this. It's making me dizzy. :-?