Sequence Markers and Tense Usage

Question

So I have been confused on this. I know past perfect is used to denote sequence of events and the action that happened first. However, many test prep companies claim differently on the tense usage when sequence markers are present. Can someone clarify what is the correct GMAT thing to do?

For eg:-

Option A - The train  left  the station before the passenger arrived

OR

Option B - The train  had left  the station before the passenger arrived

Which of the above is correct? I would go for first option since the sequence marker "before" already indicates the sequence of events. Therefore, the past perfect usage is redundant. Do we have any OG questions backing this?

cc  egmat   GMATNinja   GMATNinjaTwo   daagh 
 mikemcgarry

daagh · Answer

As far as I see, using a simple past when a sequence marker is available is only an option and not a thumb rule. Therefore' it is incorrect to say that choice one is correct and by implication choice two is incorrect. IMO both the choices are correct. There is no point in breaking one’s head over an option. One can use whatever one likes, but can't expect others to follow.

As long as one doesn’t say ‘the train had left after the passenger arrived, --- it is ok.

As long as one doesn’t say ‘the train had left after the passenger arrived, --- it is ok.

ravigupta2912 · Answer

Grammatically, yes, but if you're faced with the above two options on GMAT, which one would you pick? That's my question.

Sure if there is either of the two options, then it's a no brainer.

Posted from my mobile device

daagh · Answer

When both options are there, it is unlikely to be a GMAT question. Curious to know some questions rejected on the basis of such things in an official example (GMAT Prep test, or OG, or verbal review).

EducationAisle · Answer

Hi Ravi, as daagh Sir pointed out, there is  unlikely  to be a question on GMAT where this is actually tested.

On that note, an officially correct answer that uses past perfect  despite  the presence of  sequence marker  ( before ):

The personal income tax did not become permanent in the United States until the First World War;  before  that time  the federal government had depended on tariffs as its main source of revenue .

Sequence Markers and Tense Usage

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