2. Prior to setting the table, Mary engaged in a brief conversation with her sister Jane. (had) 3. They purchased

Предмет вопроса: Past Simple vs. Past Perfect tense

Объяснение: The Past Simple tense is used to talk about a completed action in the past. It is used when the time of the action is stated or understood. In the given sentence, the action of setting the table comes after the action of Mary"s conversation with Jane. Therefore, we use the Past Simple tense to describe Mary"s conversation.

The Past Perfect tense is used to talk about a completed action that happened before another past action or a specific point in the past. In the given sentence, the action of purchasing a car happened before the price increased. Therefore, we use the Past Perfect tense to describe the action of purchasing the car.

Дополнительный материал:
2. Перед тем, как накрывать стол, Мэри ненадолго поговорила со своей сестрой Джейн. (had)

3. Они купили машину до того, как цена выросла. (had gone)

Совет: To understand and differentiate between the Past Simple and Past Perfect tenses, it is important to pay attention to the sequence of events in the sentence. The Past Simple tense is used for the action that happened after another action in the past, while the Past Perfect tense is used for the action that happened before another action in the past.

Дополнительное задание: Rewrite the following sentences using the correct tense:
1. Before she left, Kate (finish) her homework.
2. After the movie ended, we (eat) dinner.
3. By the time they arrived, I (already/leave).