Past perfect

Use the past perfect to make the earlier of two past events clear and establish sequence in a narrative.

When do we use it?

Form had plus a past participle and contrast the earlier event with the past simple.

Form

Use had + past participle for an event completed before another past event.

• The train had left before we arrived.
• She had never flown before that trip.

Key contrast

At B2, choose the form from the complete context: sequence, viewpoint, degree of certainty and clause structure all matter.

Common mistakes

• The train has left before we arrived. → The train had left before we arrived.
• She had went home. → She had gone home.

Remember

Use the past perfect to make the earlier of two past events clear and establish sequence in a narrative.

Quick check

• Identify the time relationship or intended meaning.
• Check the auxiliary, participle and clause pattern.
• Eliminate answers that fit the words but not the context.