pluperfect: hadn't talked to him for a long time

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ansonman
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pluperfect: hadn't talked to him for a long time

Post by ansonman »

I have made up the example below.

(1a) Seven years ago, I met Bill at a music festival. After that, I hadn't talked to him for a long time. Last year, I was glad to see him again at a concert, and we had a good time talking to each other.

Most of my non-native English speaking friends think the pluperfect "hadn't talked" is wrong because your first meeting with Bill 7 years ago happened before "not talking to him for a long time". I have written their revision below.

(1b) Seven years ago, I had met Bill at a music festival. After that, I hadn't talked to him for a long time. Last year, I was glad to see him again at a concert, and we had a good time talking to each other.

In (1b), it's pluperfect "had met" before another pluperfect "hadn't talked".

However, my other friends think my original version (1a) is correct. I am not sure who is right. Please help me. Thank you.
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Alan
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Re: pluperfect: hadn't talked to him for a long time

Post by Alan »

The past perfect is unnecessary in both cases: --> met... - didn't talk....
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