Past Perfect tense

Past PerfectTense

FORMATION

AFFIRMATIVE: Subject + HV ( had ) + V3 + Object.
NEGATIVE: Subject + HV ( had ) + not + V3 + Object.
INTERROGATIVE: HV ( Had ) + Subject + V3 + Object ?
WH-QUESTION; Wh- word + HV ( Had ) + Subject + V3 + Object ?

• In this tense in affirmative sentences with the singular subject use helping verb ‘had’. Use 3rd form of verb with all the subjects
• In negative sentences ‘not’ will take place just after the helping verb.
• In interrogative sentences helping verbs ‘has’, ‘have’, will take place before the subject.

Have I eaten the food?

USES

1. This tense is used to express an action completed in the past with the words already, before, never, evr, still, by the time, by + time: (i) I had never visited Delhi before.
(ii) My friend had already left.
(iii) I had finished my homework by the time/by 10 o’clock.

2. To describe an action which was completed before another action took place in the past:
(i) The patient had died before the doctor came.
(ii) He went to school after the bell had gone.
(iv) They had cleaned the room when the guests reached.
Note: The action took place first is reported in the Past Perfect tense The action took place later is reported in the Past Indefinite tense

3. To express some unfulfilled desire/wish/hope/intention with the verbs like-hope, wish, want or intend etc. (i) I hoped my brother had come at this time.
(ii) I wish I had worked harder.
(iii) She had wished to become a doctor.
(iv) I hjad hoped to win the first prize.
(v) He had intended to buy this hotel.

4. To express an unfulfilled condition in the past;
(i): If she had worked hard, she would have passed. (but she did not work)
(ii) If I had hired a taxi, I would have reached the station on time. (but she did not hire)
(iii) If you had asked me, I would have helped you. (but she did not ask)