"finsihed" vs "had finished"

[tanguatlay]

1. After John had finished his dinner, he watched television.

2. After John finished his dinner, he watched television.

Which sentence is correct? If 'had' obligatory?

Thanks in advance.

[Alan]

Hi,

A purist would choose 'had finished' since it was the dinner first and television next. In your sentence I don't think the time difference is that significant. The past perfect tense is better used when the time sequence is more important.

Alan
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[tanguatlay]

Many thanks, Alan.