GRAMMAR & STRUCTURE
Past Perfect

Definition

The past perfect describes the order of two past actions. The past perfect is used for the "more past" action.

Example

I had eaten dinner when my wife came home.

Explanation

The past perfect:

• has the form had + past participle.
• expresses the "more past" of two past actions.
• uses "when", "already", and "after" as time expressions.
• is used in reported speech.

Related Sections

Present Perfect
Past Simple
Participles
Reported Speech