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Pluperfect vs Preterite - What's the difference?

pluperfect | preterite |

In grammar|lang=en terms the difference between pluperfect and preterite

is that pluperfect is (grammar) pertaining to action completed before or at the same time as another while preterite is (grammar) the preterite tense, simple past tense: the grammatical tense that determines the specific initiation or termination of an action in the past.

As adjectives the difference between pluperfect and preterite

is that pluperfect is more than perfect while preterite is (grammar|of a tense) showing an action at a determined moment in the past.

As nouns the difference between pluperfect and preterite

is that pluperfect is the pluperfect tense while preterite is (grammar) the preterite tense, simple past tense: the grammatical tense that determines the specific initiation or termination of an action in the past.

pluperfect

Adjective

(-)
  • More than perfect
  • (grammar) Pertaining to action completed before or at the same time as another
  • Usage notes

    * In many languages this is implemented using a participle and an auxiliary verb in a past tense

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • The pluperfect tense
  • A verb in this tense
  • preterite

    English

    Alternative forms

    * preterit (US) * praeterite * (archaic) *

    Adjective

    (-)
  • (grammar, of a tense) showing an action at a determined moment in the past.
  • Belonging wholly to the past; passed by.
  • * Lowell
  • Things and persons as thoroughly preterite as Romulus or Numa.

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (grammar) The preterite tense, simple past tense: the grammatical tense that determines the specific initiation or termination of an action in the past.