Tense choice

Diamondrg wrote:

Which one is correct? When I ---- astronomy at the University of Yale, quasars ---- yet ---- discovered. B) was studying / had not / been discovered E) studied / had not / been discovered

In this context, there are two logically and grammatically acceptable answers.

 The reason had been discussed and explained a few times before. When 2 or more events were taking placing in the past with 1 preceding the other(s), past perfect tense is needed to depict the time line.  Obviously, “studying at Yale “was a rather long period of time”, so past progressive is preferred in this context. However, in a conversational setting, “ a simple past tense ( When I studied at Yale …..)  would be acceptable as well.

Always have two cents to spare- Goodman

Hi,

I agree with the choice of B, and then E.

Best wishes, Clive

Hi again,

B is by far the best.

If you just want to think about grammar, and not what we really and usually say, then I think A, D and E are all possibilities.

Best wishes, Clive