Before and After in past perfect tense Hello Guys!This is a question for native speakersWhen before or after are used in a sentence, Is too necessary (or common) that you use the past perfect tense? F

Milena Bejarano

Before and After in past perfect tense

Hello Guys!

This is a question for native speakers

When before or after are used in a sentence, Is too necessary (or common) that you use the past perfect tense?
For example:

"After I had read the message, I deleted it" it's more common than "After I read the message, I deleted it"
I hope you can help me guys! Thanks :)

Apr 8, 2019 2:34 AM

Comments · 3

Hi Milena!

Both sentences are correct, and people use them interchangeably depending on the situation. Actually, I would say the latter in most commonly used by native speakers.

April 8, 2019

Hey Milena!

Usually in spoken English, I skip the past perfect tense when referring to before or after. It sounds better in most cases to just say “After I read the message, I deleted it.” It flows more naturally. Hope this helps!

~Grace

April 8, 2019