The Past Perfect: Forms

Affirmative (Positive)

We had won 3 gold medals by 1pm on the first day.

Form: Subject + had + verb (past participle)


Negative

I had not eaten fish and chips until I came to the UK.

Form: Subject + had + not + verb (past participle)


Question (Interrogative) 

Had you ever played baseball before you moved to the USA?

Form: Had + subject + verb (past participle)?


Lesson Summary

Here is how the past perfect tense is formed in its affirmative, negative, and interrogative forms:

  • Affirmative: Subject + had + verb (past participle)
    Example: We had won 3 gold medals by 1pm on the first day.
  • Negative: Subject + had + not + verb (past participle)
    Example: I had not eaten fish and chips until I came to the UK.
  • Question (Interrogative): Had + subject + verb (past participle)?
    Example: Had you ever played baseball before you moved to the USA?

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