Introduction

The correct usage of tenses in English is crucial, particularly when describing past events that occurred in sequence. This article will provide a detailed explanation of why the given sentences can be improved and offer insights into the appropriate use of verbs in past tense and past perfect tense.

Understanding Tense Usage in Past Events

When describing a sequence of events in the past, it's important to use the right tense to convey the chronology of actions. In the given sentences, the correct tense to use depends on the context and the intended meaning.

Problem with the Second Clause

The second clause in the example sentences, specifically 'so he made it repaired,' is incorrect. A native Anglophone would never say 'so he made it repaired.' Instead, one would use 'so he repaired it' or 'so he had it repaired.' The verb 'made' is used to describe the creation or production of an object, not its repair.

Correct Sentences Based on Context

Option 1: Simple Past Tense

For a simple present-tense narrative, the following sentence would be correct:

He broke it so he repaired it.

Both verbs are in the simple past tense, which is commonly used to describe past events.

Option 2: Past Perfect Tense

When a sentence includes two past events, and the earlier event is the cause of the latter, the past perfect tense is typically used. In such a scenario, the following sentence would be correct:

He had broken it so he repaired it.

Here, 'he had broken it' is in the past perfect tense, indicating a past event in the past, and 'he repaired it' is in the simple past tense, indicating a subsequent event.

The past perfect tense is used to show that one action was completed before another in the past. It is particularly useful when describing events with a specific sequence of cause and effect.

Simplifying with the Past Perfect

The past perfect is sometimes redundant. If the sequence of events is clear from the context, using the simpler and more accurate simple past tense can be preferred.

He broke it so he repaired it.

This sentence is simpler and just as clear as the one with past perfect.

Key Points to Remember

Use the simple past tense for a straightforward sequence of events in a simple present-tense narrative. Use the past perfect tense to indicate that one event happened in the past before another in the past, especially when describing a cause-effect relationship. Avoid using 'made' with 'repair' as it implies the creation of an object, not the repair of one. Always use 'repaired' or 'had it repaired' to correctly describe the repair action.

Conclusion

The correct usage of tenses in describing past events is essential for clarity and accuracy. Whether you choose the simple past or the past perfect, ensure that the verb tense accurately reflects the sequence of actions. Avoid using incorrect tenses, such as 'made it repaired,' and opt for the appropriate verbs to convey your intended meaning.

Understanding and correctly using tenses can greatly enhance the clarity and authenticity of your writing, making it more easy to understand for native and non-native speakers alike.