[Grammar] He hadn't been/He wasn't in the room then.

[Mike MC]

Is the following correct:
He hadn't been in the room then.

If so, how does it differ from the following:
He wasn't in the room then.

 

[emsr2d2]

Re: Past perfect vs. simple past

The choice of verb form ("wasn't" or "hadn't been") depends entirely on the context of the entire piece. As they stand, both sentences are grammatically correct and possible. The only difference between them is that one uses the past simple and one uses the past perfect. Without knowing the surrounding story and associated sentences, it's impossible to say which one would be appropriate to the longer piece.

 

[Rover_KE]

Re: Past perfect vs. simple past

Please note that I have changed your thread title.

Extract from the Posting Guidelines:

'Thread titles should include all or part of the word/phrase being discussed.'

 

[Tdol]

Is there any more context?

 

[Tarheel]

Is there a reason for using "then"?

 

[Mike MC]

Is there any more context?

No more. It's just a substitution drill for English learners.

 

[Mike MC]

Is there a reason for using "then"?

That's the point: Is it correct to use that past perfect with then? Is there any context where it makes sense to say, "He hadn't been in the room then."?

 

[Tarheel]

If he wasn't in the room he wasn't in the room. I can't figure out why you used "then" which is why I asked the question. Unless there is some context which justifies it I suggest leaving it out. Otherwise somebody is going to wonder why it's there.

You certainly can say "He wasn't in the room then" just as you can say "He wasn't in the room". Either sentence is grammatical.

 

[Tarheel]

That's the point: Is it correct to use that past perfect with then? Is there any context where it makes sense to say, "He hadn't been in the room then."?

Probably not.