ate or had eaten

[sane]

The food was the most delicious that I ate (or had eaten?) in a long time.

[Barb_D]

...had eaten

{not a teacher}

[bhaisahab]

The food was the most delicious that I ate (or had eaten?) in a long time.

....had eaten.

[The French]

....had eaten.

Hello, teacher,

I have just read your answer, "had eaten" present perfect for taking about experience life, but I have heard that Americans often prefer use the Simple Past instead of Present Perfect tense.

Am I right or wrong ?

It's more easy for me to employ simple past that present perfect, I sometimes mix the use of both tenses, perhaps it's French grammar that miw my mind.

Thanks for your reply.

Have a nice day.

[konungursvia]

Yes, but what's frequent in the oral register is not always recommended or even correct in international or written texts.

[2006]

hello, teacher,

i have just read your answer, "had eaten" present perfect for taking about experience life, but i have heard that americans often prefer use the simple past instead of present perfect tense.
Am i right or wrong ? you are right. For example, many would just say 'i just read your answer.' and '...but i heard that americans often prefer to use...'.

it's more easy for me to employ simple past that present perfect, i sometimes mix the use of both tenses, perhaps it's french grammar that miw my mind.


Thanks for your reply.

Have a nice day.

2006