Ch 13 · Lesson 18English · Chapter 13 · Lesson 18 · Grammar primer
Past perfect or past simple?
If the order is already clear, the past simple is enough. And the past perfect is the present perfect, looking back from then.
The short version
Use the past perfect only when the order is unclear
, .
Why?Hide
The main job of the past perfect is showing that of two past events, this one came first. If a plain list of events or a word like before or after already shows the order, the past simple is enough. Ask whether the listener would get the order wrong without had. If not, leave it out.
When the past simple is enough
If the order is already clear, use the past simple.
Events told in the order they happened:
, .
With after or before, the word shows the order:
, ..
After she had finished work is also correct, just not needed. The test: would the listener get the order wrong without had? If not, leave it out.
Past perfect or present perfect?
They are the same shape, looking back from a different moment:
| Pres. perfect: now | Past perfect: then |
|---|---|
. | . |
| ( ) | ( ) |
. | . |
Move the story into the past, and have becomes had.
Going further: How to make the past perfect and the rest of the guide, when you want them. This lesson does not need them.
Practice
Practise this lesson
8-question session
One question at a time, mixed across the exercises in this lesson. Miss one and it comes back round before the end.
English · Free printables
Worksheets for this lesson
Worksheets with answer keys built in. Open any one to view, print or save.
Free for members
The printable worksheets, infographics and PDFs are free with an account. Start a free week and download as many as you like.
Start your free weekLesson 18 of 29 in this chapter