had vs didn't

[Leery]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #115 "Tense Agreement", question 9

He realized he ......... left it in the car before he reported it lost.

(a) has
(b) didn't
(c) wouldn't
(d) had

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #115 "Tense Agreement", answer 9

He realized he had left it in the car before he reported it lost.

Correct answer: (d) had

Your answer was: incorrect
He realized he didn't left it in the car before he reported it lost.
_________________________

Why "had"? It seems more logical for me to use this form. but it seems also that he left it, realized and then reported.

Leery

[Mister Micawber]

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