Which Sentences are Correct in English?

Sometimes, English speakers can be confused about the correct usage of certain sentence structures. Two commonly debated sentences are: I had watched some videos last week. and I had been watched some videos last week.

Folks, the correct sentence here is I had watched some videos last week. Let’s explore why, and how to use the correct form effectively in various contexts.

Clarifying the Structure

The first sentence, I had watched some videos last week, is correct, but there's room for improvement in terms of clarity. Specifically, the second part of the sentence should use 'had' rather than 'did' to match the perfect tense. This is better illustrated by the sentence: I got more hours this week than I had last week. The improved version, which maintains consistency, is: I got more hours this week than I had last week.

The second sentence, I had been watched some videos last week, is grammatically correct but can be improved. The recurrence of 'got' may cause confusion. A better way to express the same concept would be: I had more hours this week than I had last week. This version is smoother and more natural for fluent English speakers.

Avoiding Verb Repetition

It is generally acceptable to repeat a verb in sentences of this nature for emphasis or clarity, but it is often preferable to use an auxiliary verb instead. For example, rather than saying I had got more hours this week than I had got last week, one would say: I had more hours this week than I had last week.

Linguistically, native English speakers prefer: "I’ve earned more money this week than I ever have." This avoids the use of repetitive verbs and uses the auxiliary verb 'have' to maintain clarity and fluidity.

Options and Choices

Both sentences are ‘correct’ and idiomatic. If one must choose, it is recommended to use the second sentence: I had more hours this week than I had last week. This is because you can enhance the overall quality of your writing by avoiding the repeated use of generic verbs like 'do' and 'be'. Instead of generic verbs, using more specific verbs can make your writing more impactful. Kind of like giving a punch to your sentence rather than a weak breeze.

Using Perfect and Progressive Tenses

To further illustrate the importance of sentence structure, let's explore the differences between 'feel' and 'have been feeling' using the context of fatigue.

'I have felt so tired…' and 'I have been feeling…' both utilize the perfect tense, but with different aspects. The perfect tense in 'I have felt so tired this whole week' is used to connect a recently past event to the present. Meanwhile, 'I have been feeling' uses both the perfect and progressive aspects, which emphasize currently ongoing events or states as well as temporary situations. Both forms are commonly used, but it's about understanding the nuance they bring to the sentence.

For example, you might say:

Summary and Recommendations

In summary, it’s wise to avoid the repetitive use of auxiliary verbs like 'do' and 'have' in your writing. Instead, opt for more specific verbs to enhance your sentences’ clarity and impact. When referring to past actions, use 'had' to maintain consistency in tense. When discussing ongoing or recently past events, consider using 'have been feeling' for a more vivid and nuanced description.

Conclusion

By applying the insights provided, you can improve the clarity and correctness of your English sentences. Get into the habit of choosing the most precise verbs and tenses, and your writing will undoubtedly rise to the level of a fluent, natural-sounding English speaker.