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PAST PERFECT
1.
Usage :
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THE PAST
PERFECT SIMPLE is often used about an action in the past which had
happened before another action in the past.
Example :
Wilma … had misjudged the distance, … as she sailed into the air…
 
Past
Now Future
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We also use PAST PERFECT
(with for and since and for telling the situation with state verbs) to
describe a period of time leading up to a time in the past.
Example
: …I had
known him for five years when he became famous.
 Past
Now Future
I’d known him for five years
!
Differences from
Past Simple :
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When two actions happen in the
past, and there is a noticeable gap between the actions we use PAST
PERFECT. When I arrived at the station, the train had left.
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When two actions happen in the
past, and there is no noticeable gap between the actions, we use PAST
SIMPLE. I nearly fell off my bike when I saw the Iguana. The
same rule applies if there is a direct connection between two actions. I
nearly fell of my bike because I was surprised to see the Iguana.
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When two actions happen in the
past and the order of events is clear anyway, we usually use THE SIMPLE
PAST. I went to the supermarket and then I went home.
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When AFTER is followed by a
verb, that verb is often in THE PAST PERFECT. After I had finished my
homework, I went
out.
When BEFORE is preceded by a verb, that verb is usually in the past
perfect. I had known him for five years before he became famous.
2.
Form :
Positive :
S + had (’d) + Past Participle (V3) + …
He’d seen the film before.
Negative :
S + hadn’t + pp (V3) + …
They hadn’t been there before.
Question :
Had + S + pp (V3) + …
Had you met them before? Yes,
we had / No, we hadn’t.
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