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The Difference Between Past Perfect and Past Perfect Continuous

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In this article, we will explore the use and formation of the past perfect and past perfect continuous tenses in-depth, and provide examples and exercises to help readers improve their understanding and mastery of these important aspects of English grammar.

Past Perfect and Past Perfect Continuous in English

What is the difference between Past Perfect and Past Perfect Continuous Tense?

The Past Perfect Tense

Form:

We form the Past Perfect with had and the past participle (Had + Past Participle)

Use:

  • Express the past action, already f00000000000inished when another past action happened

E.g. I met them after they had divorced each other.

  • Emphasize the result of an activity in the past

E.ghad been to London twice by the time I got a job in New York.

  • Show two events in the past that are linked

E.gI couldn’t take my flight because I had forgotten my boarding pass.

The Past Perfect Continuous Tense

Form:

We form the Past Perfect Continuous with had been and the -ing form of the verb (Had been + V-ing)

Use:

  • Express a past action which started in the past and continued to happen after another action or time in the past

E.gSara had been working here for two weeks when she had the accident.

  • Emphasize the duration of an activity in the past

E.gRichard needed a holiday because he had been working hard for six months.

  • Show the cause of a past action

E.ghad been travelling all night, so I was tired.

Past Perfect and Past Perfect Continuous | Picture

Past Perfect and Past Perfect Continuous

DEBBIE

Monday 17th of October 2022

MOST HELPFUL! THANK YOU!