Past Perfect (MGMAT-SC, Chapter13, Q2)

[rohitowe99]

MGMAT-SC
Chapter 13-Problem Set-3
Correct Answer:
When he had swum across the lake, he lay down on the far shore and relaxed in the sunshine until he was thoroughly dry.

Here the order in which swimming, lying and relaxing took place is clear by itself. So why do we need to use the past perfect form "had swum" instead of the simple past "swam"?

An example mentioned in the book:
Antonio DROVE to the store and BOUGHT some ice cream.

How is this example different from the sentence in question?
Please explain.

Thanks
Deepak

[RonPurewal]

MGMAT-SC
Chapter 13-Problem Set-3
Correct Answer:
When he had swum across the lake, he lay down on the far shore and relaxed in the sunshine until he was thoroughly dry.

Here the order in which swimming, lying and relaxing took place is clear by itself. So why do we need to use the past perfect form "had swum" instead of the simple past "swam"?

An example mentioned in the book:
Antonio DROVE to the store and BOUGHT some ice cream.

How is this example different from the sentence in question?
Please explain.

Thanks
Deepak

that sentence says "When".
if you put swam there, you'd be implying that he relaxed on the shore while he was swimming!

If you had "After" instead of "when", then swam would be fine.

[rohitowe99]

Got it. thanks!

[jlucero]

Glad it helped.