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jasonlulu_2000 · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 879

I _____ I would be able to do it, but it's beginning to look difficult.
A. hoped B. had hoped

From a native's point of view, are both answers acceptable?

Thanks!

Jason

IanT · Joined: 13 Sep 2012 Posts: 340 Location: Spain

This native likes "had hoped" much better than "hoped", but can't really justify his answer!

I think it's because another past event is implied: the discovery of the information about why it's going to be difficult.

i.e. I had hoped I would be able to do it, until I discovered...

To my ear, if you wanted to use "hoped" you would need something else, like a time period.

e.g. "For a while I hoped I would be able to do it, but ...

That's my feeling, but I'm open to disagreement!
Hope helps,
Ian
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