I´d read it before/ I´ve read it before

English grammar questions, answered by Alan

Moderator: Alan

Locked
Frieda
Member
Posts: 26
Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2019 9:16 am
Status: Learner of English

I´d read it before/ I´ve read it before

Post by Frieda »

The question is.
"Why didn`t you read the book to the end?"
"Well, I already knew it, I´d read it before or I´ve read it before."

I would choose "I`ve read it before" because the time of the action is before. Is this right?
User avatar
Alan
Teacher/Moderator
Teacher/Moderator
Posts: 15208
Joined: Mon Dec 29, 2003 7:56 pm
Status: Teacher of English
Location: Japan

Re: I´d read it before/ I´ve read it before

Post by Alan »

No! You are referring to a time before another past time, and so the past perfect (I'd read) is the more appropriate choice.
Locked