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PAST PERFECT

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7 views

PAST PERFECT

Uploaded by

amanda salsa
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PAST PERFECT TENSE

We know the past tense as a tense to discuss situations that have passed. Yesterday, we discussed the past continuous tense which also discusses past conditions but is still on
going. So, what about the past perfect tense? What is the difference between the two tenses mentioned above?
Come on, repeat your memory with a discussion about the past perfect tense starting from its definition to how to use it below.

Definition of Past Perfect Tense


The past perfect tense is a form of the verb used to express that an action was completed at some point in the past before another action occurred. Actions that have been completed
in the past can occur repeatedly or only once.

One of the characteristics of this tense is the use of "had" before the verb.
In addition, this tense can also be used to form a type 3 conditional sentence and reported speech.
Maybe many of you are wondering, when should we use this tense?
We can use this tense when we want to point to a point in the past and want to talk about a specific moment that happened before.

The Formula of Past Perfect Tense


The past perfect tense is formed with the auxiliary verb "had", and the past participle (verb-3).
Had is used for both singular and plural subjects.
While the past participle is formed by adding –ed, -en, -d, -t, -n, or -ne to the base form in the form of a regular verb.
In the base form in the form of an irregular verb, the past participle is inconsistent.

In the past perfect, the formula is divided into 3 according to the type of sentence, including:
• Positive sentence (S + had + past participle (V-3))
o My brother had slept
o They had come
• Negative sentences (S + had + not + past participle (V-3))
o My brother hadn't slept
o They hadn't come
• Interrogative sentence / interrogative sentence (Had + S + past participle (V-3))
o Had my brother slept?
o Had they come?
The Functions and Uses of the Past Perfect Tense
In addition to referring to conditions or moments in the past, let's examine the functions and examples of the use of this tense.

Describing the finished moment


This tense can be used to express an action in the past that was completed before another past moment occurred.
If you want to talk about this condition, you can also insert a subordinate conjunction such as:
• After (simple past tense + after + past perfect tense)
• Before, by the time, when (past perfect tense + before / by the time / when + simple past tense)
What if it is applied in full sentences?
• When he came last night, the cake had run out.
• The student had gotten a verbal warning before his parents were called.
• I had already eaten breakfast by the time he picked me up.

Indicates the intensity of an event


The past perfect can be used to show how often something happened in the past.
The time expression that is often used is the adverbial phrase of frequency. Here are some examples:
• Twice / two times / three times + before + simple past tense / participle (phrase): three times before I read his review
• Every day / every two days / every other day until 2012
• Every summer until 2000

How about applying it to a sentence?


• I had read the book three times before I read his review.
• They had met twice before married.

Used for reported speech


The past perfect can be used for making reported speech or indirect speech.
In simple terms, reported speech is a sentence that we convey from other people.
The verbs that can be used are: said, told, asked, thought, wondered. What is an example sentence?
• He said that he had listened carefully to the instruction.
• I thought he had changed to be better man.

Making hope
In addition to discussing the past, the past perfect can also be used to make a wish or wish statement.
The formula is: if + past perfect tense + would/should/could/might + have + past participle. Let's see an example below:
• If you had remembered to invite me, I would have attended your party.

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