By the time I had been/was 20 I read/had read many books.
Hello,
I have read many threads regarding by the time and its usage in a sentence but I still find it ambiguous. Can you write me which of these sentences are correct and if there is correct more than one could you write me the differences in meaning.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>O--------------------------------------O reading of books 20 years old present By the time I was 20 I had read many books. By the time I had been 20 I read many books. By the time I had been 20 I had read many books.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>O---------------------------------O studying many hours wining of the price present By the time I won the prize in mathematics I had studied many hours every day. By the time I had won the prize in mathematics I studied many hours every day. By the time I had won the prize in mathematics I had studied many hours every day.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>O-----------------------------------O playing tennis, studying I stopped playing tennis present By the time I played tennis on court my classmates had studied at school. By the time I had played tennis on court my classmates studied at school. By the time I had played tennis on court my classmates had studied at school. - or it is better to use while instead of by the time in (3) above-mentioned sentences.
Thank you
m
Top answer
These are OK, marix: By the time I was 20 I had read many books. By the time I won the prize in mathematics I had studied many hours every day. While I played tennis on court my classmates studied at school.
— Mister Micawber
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By the time I was 20 I had read many books. By the time I won the prize in mathematics I had studied many hours every day. While I played tennis on court my classmates studied at school.
or it is better to use while instead of by the time in (3) above-mentioned sentences.--
Is there any situation when past perfect is used after by the time? e.g. By the time I had established the company and (had) started the production of goods my grandfather passed away.