In one of the dictionaries (WordWeb), the meaning of deja vu has been given like this.
deja vu = The experience of thinking that a new situation had occurred before.
Can someone please tell me why past perfect is used instead of present perfect?
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No good reason; the writer obviously wished to stress the difference in time between the two ‘situations’, but it is unnecessary, I think.
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Hi,
Could someone clarify this for me?
“It occurred to me that I forgot your birthday.” = I’m letting someone know that I’m suddenly have thought or remembered about something.
“It had occurred to me that I forgot something at the grocery.” or “It has occurred to me I forgot my mom’s birthday.” = I’m saying that I remembered something in a past time. What’s the difference between using HAS and HAD ?
I don’t get it! 
Thank you in advance!
Hello, Carol - and welcome to English-test.
“It occurred /has occurred to me that I forgot your birthday.” = I remembered it before now.
“It had occurred to me that I forgot your birthday.” = I remembered it before something else in the past happened: ‘It had occurred to me when I saw you sitting alone in that restaurant.’
It’s clear now
Thank you Mister Micawber!
deja vu = The experience of thinking that a new situation had occurred before.
[i]In case the “experience of thinking” is referred to an illusion which is not real, could we still use “had occurred” to such unreal situation similar to the subjunctive mood ?
That is to say, such “experience” has not actually occurred but the illusion makes that as if it had occurred.
I am not so good at grammar, but I just want to know whether it is possible.
Thanks & Regards,
Nick[/i]
Hi Nick,
I’ve noticed the advice you’ve provided for other learners on this forum and I think your grammar is excellent.
I think your logic in this context holds up and it would be possible to use ‘had…’
[i]Thank you very much !
Nick[/i]