PAST PERFECT
USE
- A past event that happened before another past event - Example: I had already eaten when the guests arrived.
- An action or situation finished before a specific time period in the past - Example: She had completed her assignment before the deadline.
FORM
Affirmative
- I had walked to the crime scene.
- You / He / She / It / We / They had walked to the crime scene.
Negative
- I / You / He / She / It / We / They hadn't (had not) walked to the crime scene.
Interrogative
- Had I / you / he / she / it / we / they walked to the crime scene?
Short answers
- Yes, l / you / he / she / it / we / they had.
- No, l / you / he / she / it / we / they hadn't.
VS
PAST SIMPLE
USE
- For the more recent or later action / event in relation to another in the past perfect - Example: After I had eaten, I went to the party.
- For a sequence of events in order - Example: She finished her work, went home, and slept.
SIGNAL WORDS
Past perfect:
after, as soon as, until/till, just, already, ever, never, It was the first / second time...
- Example: After he had finished his homework, he went out to play.
Past simple:
before, when, by the time
- Example: She left the office when the clock struck five.