Past perfect Tense

Past perfect tense describes an action is completed in the past. Third form of verb is
used. “had” is used as helping verbs with both the singular and plural nouns and pronouns.

Affirmative sentences :
Firstly 3rd form of verb is used.

Secondly “had” is used as helping verb. With all types of nouns and pronouns.

Formation :

Sub + helping verb ( had) + 3rd form of verb + object.

Examples:

• She had finished her homework before dinner.

• They had already left when I arrived.

• The movie had started by the time we got to the theater.

• He had read the book before watching the movie adaptation.

• We had visited that city several times in the past.

Negative sentences :
When we have to make negative sentences of past perfect tense, we use not after helping
verb.

Formation :

Sub + helping verb ( had) + not + 3rd form of verb + object.

Examples:

• He had not already done his work.

• I had not taken bath.
• She had not gone to sleep.
 • They had not reached there.
• Boy had not stolen my money.
• You had not rung the bell.
• Sun had not set.
• We had not heard this news.
• Ali had not bought the book.
• The gardener had not watered the plants.
Interrogative sentences :
In case of interrogative sentences, helping verb (had) is placed at the start of the
sentence. And a question mark is added at the end.

Formation :

Helping verb ( had ) + Subject + 3rd form of verb + object + ?

Examples:

• had he already done his work ?

• had i taken bath ?
• had she gone to sleep ?
• had they reached there ?
• had boy stolen my money ?
• had you rung the bell ?
• had Sun set ?
• had we heard this news ?
• had Ali bought the book ?
• had the gardener watered the plants ?
 Past perfect tense
Helping (had )
Verbs
Form of (third form of verb is used)
Verb

+ Affirmative Sentences
Sub + ( had) + 3rd form of verb + object
He + had + taken + bath

- Negative sentences
Sub + ( had) + not + 3rd form of verb + object
He + had + not + taken + bath

? Interrogative Sentences
( had) + sub + 3rd form of verb + object + ?
had + he + taken + bath +?