hadn't/didn't

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New2grammar

#315053 Sun, 14 Jan 07 08:12 AM

I hadn't received your e-mail the last time I checked.

I didn't receive your e-mail the last time I checked.

Is there any difference in meaning in sentences above? I have a feeling that the first sentence implies a slight frustration or at least I am waiting for the e-mail to arrive, while the second simply states the fact that the e-mail wasn't in my mailbox.

New2grammar

Joined on Tue, Nov 21 2006

Veteran Member (7,670)

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Mister Micawber

#315110 Sun, 14 Jan 07 12:43 PM

I see no emotive difference of that sort. The past perfect is unnecessary here as the order of events is obvious; however, the speaker of the first sentence may want to imply-- by stressing the temporal distance between the events-- that perhaps the email may indeed have arrived after she checked. If anything, she would be concessive rather than annoyed.

Others may hear these differently, though.

Mister Micawber

Joined on Wed, Aug 4 2004

Yokohama

Veteran Member (21,223)

'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.'

Past perfect

Yankee

#315129 Sun, 14 Jan 07 01:34 PM

In my opinion, the first sentence does indicate more clearly that the speaker is waiting for or expecting the e-mail to arrive (because 'yet' is implied). I wouldn't say it automatically indicates any frustration, though.

Yankee

Joined on Sat, Apr 15 2006

Connecticut, USA

Senior Member (4,157)

Amy "You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus." - Mark Twain