[Grammar] What tense is this sentence in?

[rambharosey]

Are the following two sentences in a different tense:
(a) The dictator had his opponents hanged.

(b) The dictator had hanged his opponents.

I believe (a) is in simple past, while (b) is in past perfect.

How do we differentiate, since both sentences use "had hanged"?

 

[teechar]

Are the following two sentences in different tenses:
(a) The dictator had his opponents hanged.

(b) The dictator had hanged his opponents.

I believe (a) is in simple past, while (b) is in past perfect.

How do we differentiate, since both sentences use "had hanged"?

Yes, "a" is in the past simple, while "b" is in the past perfect.

In "a", "had" is a causative verb. The structure is: have + object + past participle.

 

[Tdol]

How do we differentiate, since both sentences use "had hanged"?

Word order- which was probably what led you to your correct conclusion. :up: