correct ones?

Members help members on grammar, vocab, pronunciation...

Moderator: EC

Post Reply
User avatar
Tukanja
Top Contributor
Top Contributor
Posts: 535
Joined: Wed Jul 16, 2008 3:47 pm
Status: Learner of English

correct ones?

Post by Tukanja »

Which of these are the correct sentences?

I had taken those medicines for two and a half years until I experienced side effects.
I had been taking those medicines for two and a half years until I experienced side effects.
I took those medicines for two and a half years until I experienced side effects.
I was taking those medicines for two and a half years until I experienced side effects.
I used to take those medicines for two and a half years until I experienced side effects.

Thanks
User avatar
Joe
Admin/Teacher
Admin/Teacher
Posts: 1789
Joined: Thu Dec 18, 2003 6:56 am
Status: Teacher of English
Location: England

Re: correct ones?

Post by Joe »

They are all possible in different contexts.

I had taken those medicines for two and a half years until I experienced side effects. :ok:

I had been taking those medicines for two and a half years until I experienced side effects. :ok:

I took those medicines for two and a half years until I experienced side effects. :ok:

I was taking those medicines for two and a half years until I experienced side effects. :ok:

I used to take those medicines until I experienced side effects. :ok:

But note, do you mean "until" or "before"?

I took those medicines for two and a half years before I experienced side effects. :ok:

"Until" suggests that you stopped when you experienced side effects.
User avatar
Tukanja
Top Contributor
Top Contributor
Posts: 535
Joined: Wed Jul 16, 2008 3:47 pm
Status: Learner of English

Re: correct ones?

Post by Tukanja »

Actually there is something in the sentences #3 and #4 that bothers me.

In our sentence we have the past and the deep past.
How could the simple past and the past continuous be used then?

Please explain why the simple past and the past continuous can be used.

In addition I'd like to say that I prefer #2.

Thanks
Post Reply