Metkagram
EN RU

B2–C1 · GFK · GFK008

Subject + explained that + embedded subject + had been + -ing + duration

Explanation

A reusable frame from “Reporting and clause complements”. Compare how English and German express reporting and clause complements. Practise reusable constructions with Russian translations.

Structure

EN · EnglishSubject + explained that + embedded subject + had been + -ing + duration
DE · GermanSubject + erklärte(n), embedded subject + habe/hätte + duration + participle

Anchor phrase

RU · Translation

Она объяснила, что ждала больше часа.

EN · English

She explained that she had been waiting for over an hour.

DE · German

Sie erklärte, sie habe über eine Stunde gewartet.

Try variations2 · more examples

  1. RU · Translation

    Он объяснил, что годами пользовался одним и тем же методом.

    EN · English

    He explained that he had been using the same method for years.

    DE · German

    Er erklärte, er habe jahrelang dieselbe Methode verwendet.

  2. RU · Translation

    Они объяснили, что обсуждали этот вопрос всё утро.

    EN · English

    They explained that they had been discussing the matter all morning.

    DE · German

    Sie erklärten, sie hätten den ganzen Vormittag über die Sache diskutiert.

Pattern graph

Continue with nearby patterns

GFK013Subject + suggested that + embedded subject + base-form verbGFKGFK002Subject + asked whether + embedded subject + had + past participleGFKGFK005Subject + said + embedded subject + had already + past participleGFKGFK010Subject + said + embedded subject + had to + infinitiveGFK