I went to the store and bought milk

[HS]

On page 46 of the SC guide, an exception to the past perfect rule is verbs that have the same grammatical subject. However, for the sentence "I went to the store and bought milk", there seems to be two subjects - store and milk? Also, is it wrong to use the past perfect in this case? (i.e. I had gone to the store and bought milk)

Thanks

[StaceyKoprince]

The subject here is I. I went to the store. I bought milk. Store and milk are objects.

I just read through page 46 and don't find mention of the exception you are discussing. Could you specify which paragraph? Or is it on a different page?

You would not say "I had gone to the store and bought milk." Remember that the two events need to have taken place at different times. You buy the milk while you're still in the store. The actions don't represent two distinct times.

[HS]

Hi Stacey,

The exception described on page 46 is as follows:

Exceptions to the rule: (1) Verbs that have the same grammatical subject. For instance, I went to the store and bought milk. Went happened before bought, but there is no need to use the past perfect, because the sequence is clear.

I really hope I have the right version of the book....this is the set I got from enrolling in the MGMAT course in just 2-3 months ago. You also mentioned page 88 is different in your version of the book?

Thanks

[HS]

And thanks Stacey for the explanation on the subject of the sentence - didn't realize that "I" was the subject. That certainly clears things up :)

[rfernandez]

On the cover of your book it should say "2007 edition." That's the latest edition, and that's the edition you should have received 2-3 months ago.

Rey

[StaceyKoprince]

My 2007 edition is from the first printing - we've had additional printings since then, and things sometimes get added / typos get fixed, that sort of thing. I just recently got one of the newer printings and checked - voila, now I see what you see! :)

[HS]

Ok, thanks!

[StaceyKoprince]

glad we got it straighted out!