I was questioned off-list about the "had predicted" item in the BYU Corpus and now, this morning, Herb has also weighed in. Before he replies and before any further discussion of the "predicted" matter, may we please have a show of hands as to whether (a) below or (b) below is correct. There is no more context in the corpus quote than what you see. That's all there is and that's all you get.
(a) The Treasury Department figures showed it soared to $82.7 billion. Economists predicted a number a number closer to $30 billion.
(b) The Treasury Department figures showed it soared to $82.7 billion. Economists had predicted a number closer to $30 billion.
Put an "a" or a "b" after "the BYU Corpus" in the subject line so we won't have to open them to count them. If you please.
.brad.11feb11.