Past Perfect and Future Perfect

Can we use the past perfect and future perfect in one sentence?

Yes! It is possible to use the past perfect and future perfect in one sentence when describing actions that were completed before other actions, while also referring to future actions that will be completed by a particular time.

Let’s have a look at the following examples with their explanations to understand the combination of these two tenses, the past perfect and future perfect tenses.

Example:

I had finished her report by the time I will have started the new project

Explanation:

The report was completed before starting with the new project which will be completed by a future point.

Example:

She had left the office by the time we will have arrived for the meeting.

Explanation:

She already left before our arrival to the meeting.

How to form questions using the past perfect and future perfect tenses?

To form questions using both tenses, the past perfect and future perfect tenses, you need to follow this structure:

Had + subject + past participle + by the time + subject + will + have + past participle?

Example:

Had he finished his homework by the time the teacher will have checked it?

Explanation:

The question focuses on wondering if he completed the homework before being checked by the teacher.

Example: 

Had you left the office by the time the meeting will have started?

Explanation: 

The question focuses on wondering if the person left the office before the starting of the meeting.

You can even ask questions using the Wh-Questions:

What had they finished by the time the manager will have attended the meeting?

Where had he gone by the time the class will have started?

Why had she submitted her report by the time the deadline will have passed?

How to form negative sentences using the past perfect and future perfect tenses?

You need to add (not) after (had) and (will) as shown below:

Subject + had + not + past participle + by the time + subject + will + not + have + past participle

Example:

I had not finished my report by the time the manager will not have checked it.

Explanation:

The report was not completed and the manager will not check by a specific future point.

Example:

The team had not completed the first phase by the time the client will not have reviewed the project.

Explanation:

The first phase was not completed by the team and the client did not review the project by a certain future point.

*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 combination of past perfect and future perfect tenses 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!