When to use the past perfect tense?
You need to use the past perfect tense when describing actions that were completed before other ones in the past. Let’s have a look at the following past perfect example to understand the idea better:
Example:
I had finished my work before dinner.
Explanation: It shows that I finished my work and after that I went to have my dinner. So, the first action that was completed is (work) and the second action is (the dinner).
Example:
She had left the house by the time I arrived.
Explanation: The sentence shows that (the leaving part) completed before (the arrival).
How to form questions using the past perfect?
You need to use (had) with all subjects. Let’s have a look at the past perfect structure:
Had + subject + past participle (verb 3)?
Examples:
Had he finished his homework before dinner?
Had you seen that movie before last night?
Had they already finished the meeting when you came in?
How to form negative sentences using the past perfect?
You need to add (not) before (had) as explained here:
Subject + had + not + past participle
Examples:
She had not left the house by the time I arrived
I had not met him before the party.
The train had not departed when she reached the station
*You can use the complete form (have not/ has not) or the contraction form (haven’t/ hasn’t), it depends on the person you speak with. Professionally and in formal settings, use the complete form. When speaking informally with family, friends, chatting, etc use the contraction form.
I hope you find this English grammar lesson useful, let me know if you have any questions related to the use of the past perfect tense or if you have any suggestions for the upcoming topics. Yesterday, I explained other English grammar topics here so feel free to check it 🙂 Also, if you need a private discussion or lessons, email me 🙂
Have a great day & take care!
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