Past Perfect Tense

Learn how to describe actions that happened before another past action using the past perfect tense

Video Lesson

The past perfect tense describes actions that happened before another past action.

Remember: Use "had + past participle" to form the past perfect tense!

Formation

Use had + past participle to form the past perfect.

P.Perfect Action 1
S.Past Action 2
Now Present

Examples:

  • She had studied English before she moved to the USA.
  • After he had finished dinner, he went to bed.

Negative Form:

  • I had not seen the movie before yesterday.
  • They hadn't completed the project when the manager asked for it.

Past Perfect vs. Past Simple

  • When I arrived, they had already left. (Past Perfect - correct)
  • When I arrived, they left. (Past Simple - Incorrect)

Practice: Complete the Sentences

Put the verbs between brackets in the past perfect.

1. He told me that he (watch) that movie before.

2. I went outside as I (hear) a noise.

3. When they came home, Liza (already cook) dinner.

4. We could not send you a postcard because we (lose) your address.

5. After I (finish) my homework, I watched TV.

6. The teacher was angry because the students (not do) their homework.

7. I (never / see) a kangaroo before I visited Australia.

8. She was upset because she (lose) her keys.

9. When we got to the cinema, The movie (already / start).

10. After I (revise) my lessons, I watched TV.