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learner12
Joined: 18 Nov 2006 Posts: 730
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Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 1:37 am Post subject: earlier |
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Hello, teachers!!
I found that the train had left three minutes earlier.
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My idea:
The train left three minutes earlier than the time table.
However, I am not sure about the sentence above.
Thank you in advance. |
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Sirius
Joined: 11 Dec 2005 Posts: 119 Location: Canada
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Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 5:20 am Post subject: |
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I ran to the station but when I got there I found that the train had left three minutes earlier.
I found that the train had left three minutes early would mean that it left before the scheduled time. |
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learner12
Joined: 18 Nov 2006 Posts: 730
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Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 6:33 pm Post subject: |
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Dear Sirius:
Thank you so much for your quick replies and the explanations.
Take care and have a nice day!! |
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Lorikeet

Joined: 08 Oct 2005 Posts: 1877 Location: San Francisco
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Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 7:07 pm Post subject: |
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| Sirius wrote: |
I ran to the station but when I got there I found that the train had left three minutes earlier.
I found that the train had left three minutes early would mean that it left before the scheduled time. |
Oh that's interesting. I think I have a different meaning for the following two sentences:
"I ran to the station but when I got there I found that the train had left three minutes early." (Three minutes before the scheduled time)
"I ran to the station but when I got there I found that the train had left three minutes earlier." (Three minutes before I got there) |
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learner12
Joined: 18 Nov 2006 Posts: 730
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Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 8:36 pm Post subject: |
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Dear Lorikeet:
Thank you so much for your deep explanations.
Take care and have a nice day!! |
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