Past Perfect Tense – Definition, Structure and Examples

Understand what the past perfect tense is with its definition, structure, and past perfect tense examples.

Past Perfect Tense – Definition, Structure, and Examples

For a complete guide to the past perfect tense in English, visit our awesome article The Past Perfect Tense in English: A Complete Guide.

Definition

The past perfect tense is used to describe an action that was completed before another action took place in the past. It emphasizes that one event happened before another in the past, helping to clarify the sequence of events.

Structure

The structure of the past perfect tense consists of two parts:

1. The past tense of the verb “to have” (had)
2. The past participle of the main verb

Formula:
Subject + had + past participle

Examples

1. She had finished her homework before she went out.
2. They had eaten dinner by the time we arrived.
3. By the time I got to the station, the train had left.
4. He had lived in Paris before moving to New York.
5. We had met them once before they moved away.
6. After the party, she realized she had lost her phone.
7. They had completed the project before the deadline.
8. She had read the book before watching the movie.
9. He had known about the surprise for weeks.
10. By the time we got there, they had already started the meeting.
11. She had taken a shower before breakfast.
12. The company had achieved all its goals before the end of the year.
13. We had left the house when it started raining.
14. By the time I called, he had already gone to bed.
15. She had written the report before the meeting.
16. They had traveled to several countries before settling down.
17. He had fixed the car before the trip.
18. We had seen that movie before.
19. She had studied French before moving to France.
20. They had built a new house by the lake.
21. I had heard the news before you told me.
22. He had forgotten his wallet at home.
23. She had visited the museum before it closed.
24. They had planned the event for months.
25. We had hoped to see you at the party.
26. She had cleaned the house before her guests arrived.
27. He had tried to fix the computer before calling a technician.
28. They had waited for hours before the bus came.
29. She had cooked dinner before he got home.
30. We had finished the assignment before the deadline.
31. He had joined the club before I did.
32. They had known each other for years.
33. She had practiced the piano before the recital.
34. We had walked for miles before finding a place to rest.
35. He had worked at the company for a decade.
36. They had prepared everything before the guests arrived.
37. She had dreamed of this moment for years.
38. We had talked about it before you mentioned it.
39. He had driven that road many times before.
40. They had attended the concert last year.
41. She had never seen a whale before her trip.
42. We had lived in the same city for years.
43. He had repaired the bike before the race.
44. They had left the country before the conflict began.
45. She had forgotten to lock the door.
46. We had admired the painting for hours.
47. He had called her several times before she answered.
48. They had argued about it before.
49. She had worn that dress before.
50. We had considered moving to another city.
51. He had played that game before.
52. They had decided to adopt a child.
53. She had decorated the room beautifully.
54. We had waited for the announcement.
55. He had promised to help before he left.
56. They had studied the map carefully.
57. She had sung in the choir before.
58. We had missed the train.
59. He had returned the book to the library.
60. They had forgotten their anniversary.
61. She had planned the trip meticulously.
62. We had worked together on the project.
63. He had played the guitar in a band.
64. They had driven through the night.
65. She had remembered to bring the keys.
66. We had known about the issue.
67. He had bought a new car before the sale ended.
68. They had enjoyed the concert thoroughly.
69. She had lost her way in the city.
70. We had watched that show before.
71. He had taken a lot of photos.
72. They had eaten at that restaurant before.
73. She had taught English abroad.
74. We had visited the park many times.
75. He had thought about the offer.
76. They had brought their own equipment.
77. She had wondered about it.
78. We had met them at the conference.
79. He had arranged everything in advance.
80. They had told us the news.
81. She had heard that song before.
82. We had explored the cave before.
83. He had spent a lot of money.
84. They had cleaned the garage.
85. She had greeted everyone warmly.
86. We had danced all night.
87. He had shared the link with me.
88. They had painted the fence.
89. She had watered the plants.
90. We had discussed the plan.
91. He had written a novel.
92. They had trained for the marathon.
93. She had traveled extensively.
94. We had organized a charity event.
95. He had designed the website.
96. They had learned the new software.
97. She had visited her grandparents.
98. We had cooked a big meal.
99. He had invited his friends.
100. They had celebrated their success.