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If you had told me the truth, I would have believed you.

If you told me the truth, I would have believed you.

If he had worked harder, he'd have received a better grade.

If he worked harder, he'd have received a better grade.

Which one is currect past perfect or simple past in if condition.

What is the meaning of above sentences ?

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  • Check Swan's Practical English Usage sections 262.4 mixed tenses and 259.3 present use: situations that are no longer possible.
    – learner
    Oct 21, 2014 at 17:55
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    In the Disney American animated movie called Planes (2013), an airplane said to another:"If you knew the truth about my past, would you 've asked me to train you?"
    – learner
    Oct 21, 2014 at 17:57

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If you had told me the truth (in the past), I would have believed you (in the past).

The speaker is suggesting that on one or more occasions in the past 'you' did not tell the truth.

If you told me the truth (generally), I would have believed you (in the past).

The speaker is suggesting that not telling the truth is characteristic of 'you'

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