none (had) succeeded

[Tan Elaine]

No one had ever been able to get beyond Troy's huge, soaring stone walls. Kings and armies had tried, but none had succeeded.

Should 'had' be removed?

Many thanks.

[tareq10]

No one had ever been able to get beyond Troy's huge, soaring stone walls. Kings and armies had tried, but none had succeeded.

Should 'had' be removed?

Many thanks.

hi Tan Elaine,

To my knowledge, had should not be there because of the use of the past perfect. The past perfect tense almost related to the past simple tense. that is, one action took place before another.

No one had ever been able to get beyond Troy's huge, soaring stone walls. Kings and armies had tried, but none succeeded. means they fisrt tried then failed.

I hope that was clear enough

[Tan Elaine]

Thanks, Tareq10.

It's clear.