Since the fitting room was used, I had to wait for a while.

Question

Since the fitting room was used, I had to wait for a while.
Since the fitting room was being used at the time, I had to wait for a while.

which of the above is more opt?

eschn3am · Answer

Between those two I would go with B. The first one makes it sound as if "eww, this room has been used" and doesn't necessarily convey the fact that it was being used at the same time that the person narrating wanted to use it

sarangadhar · Answer

thanks.

can I add "at the time" to be more opt? is this correct to say?
Since the fitting room was used  at the time , I had to wait for a while.

eschn3am · Answer

"used at the time" doesn't work for what you're trying to say. It makes it sound like the room could have been used at any time before you came across it. Like "at the time it had already been used in the past" whereas "being used at the time" or "the room was in use" makes it clear that it was currently being used when you were there

eschn3am · Answer

why?

This is like saying "I couldn't drive the car because it was used" when I want to say "I couldn't drive the car because it was being used." I don't care whether it's a brand new car or it has some miles on it, I'm trying to convey the fact that someone was in the process of using it when I wanted to.

Since the fitting room was used, I had to wait for a while.

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