Past perfect
The past before the past: had done.
The rules
- Earlier of two past events takes the past perfect: "had already started".
- The cause happened before the past state → past perfect: "hadn't slept".
- Earlier action past perfect, later action past simple, not both perfect.
- Experience before a past moment: "had never eaten".
- "By the time" + past event is a classic past perfect trigger: "had escaped".
- With "and then", the order is already clear, plain past simple is enough.
Examples
- When we arrived, the film had already started.
- She was tired because she hadn't slept all night.
- After he had finished lunch, he went for a walk.
- I had never eaten sushi before.
- By the time the police came, the thief had escaped.
- I washed my hands and then I ate.
Quick check
Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1.When we arrived, the film _____ already _____.
2.She was tired because she _____ all night.
3.Which sentence is correct?
4.By the time the police came, the thief _____.
5.In which sentence is the past perfect unnecessary?