Past Perfect

Past Perfect

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Practice

Introduction

Video

Structure

Explanation

Introduction

We use the past perfect to describe an event in a time period that leads up to another past event or time period. We use the past simple to describe the more recent event or time period: By 2016, I had left London and had moved to Cambridge. ( I did this before 2016.) I got a job ... ( I did this in 2016.)

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Structure

We form the past perfect with had / hadn't + past participle. The forms is the same for all subjects.

I/ You/ We/ They / He / She / It

+ I had/ I'd left before he arrived.

- He hadn't arrived when I left.

Y/N? Had you seen him? Yes, we had. / No, we hadn't.

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Explanation

The past perfect is often used with the past simple. The two clauses are often joined with when, because, so or by the time.When + past simple, past perfect When I got home, my goldfish had disappeared. Past simple, because + past perfect I was late because my car had broken down. Past perfect, so + past simple We'd never been to a concert before, so we were very excited.

Explanation

By the time + past perfect, past simpleBy the time the class had finished, we were all tired. By the time + past simple, past perfect By the time she called, her sister had gone home.

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Practice

Index

Video

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