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A2 · Pre-intermediate15 min

Past Perfect

Syllabus topic 6: Past Perfect

Past Perfect. Form the past perfect with had + past participle to show an event before another past reference point.

How it works

Form the past perfect with had + past participle to show an event before another past reference point. The past simple marks the later event. Do not use had + past-simple irregular forms, such as had went.

Examples in context

Notice how each form fits its sentence. Read the context before choosing a form.

  • When we arrived, the film had already started.
  • She was hungry because she hadn't eaten breakfast.
  • He had left before I called.
  • Had you met her before the party?
  • After I had locked the door, I walked away.

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When we arrived, the film ___ already started.

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