After I had done, they did vs After I did, they did

Asked Dec 12 '15 at 06:54

Active Dec 17 '15 at 17:05

Viewed 5,382 times

3

Which is correct? or are both correct? or are they both grammatically correct but only different in semantics?

After Sally had mastered the skills for her job, her supervisor asked her to help train new employees.
After Sally mastered the skills for her job, her supervisor asked her to help train new employees.

edited Dec 12 '15 at 07:32

CowperKettle

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asked Dec 12 '15 at 06:54

Tom Lee

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Related: When is the past perfect exactly needed? – CowperKettle Dec 12 '15 at 07:39
Another one: What is the Perfect, and how should I use it? – CowperKettle Dec 12 '15 at 10:54

1 Answers1

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Either is fine, although the second is more concise, and at least equally clear, so I'd pick that one.

The past perfect (1st sentence) would be preferable when the events are out of order:

Sally's supervisor asked her to train new employees after she had mastered the skills for her job.

answered Dec 17 '15 at 17:05

Sarah

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