Today's mini lesson is about the past perfect. We can use the past perfect to talk about something that was finished before a second point in the past. This is just like the present perfect for things that are finished before the present.
I had read the book before the class.
We had finished the work when the boss arrived.
By Friday, they had all handed in the essay.
When we use a word like 'before', 'after' or 'as soon as', we can choose the past simple instead of the past perfect. These two sentences mean the same thing and you can choose either.
I paid the waiter after I had taken out my purse.
I paid the waiter after I took out my purse.
We had finished the work when the boss arrived.
By Friday, they had all handed in the essay.
Let's review! Put in the past perfect if it's completely necessary. Otherwise use the past simple. In all cases the first action is completely finished before the second action starts.
1. When she ________________________ (eat) dinner, she felt better.
2. After the children ________________________ (go) to bed, we opened the chocolates.
3. When I ________________________ (sit) down, I took out my book.
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Answers
1. When she had eaten dinner, she felt better.
2. After the children went to bed, we opened the chocolates.
3. When I had sat down, I took out my book.
I hope that helps, and really good luck with your English!
Michael
