Tense Comparison Exercises PDFSet 6: Past Simple vs Past Perfect
20 questions·15 min·Answers included·Explanations included
Preview: Questions
Fill in the blank with the correct option.
1.When I arrived at the station, the train ___ already ___.
a) has / leftb) had / leftc) was / leavingd) did / leave
2.She ___ dinner before her husband came home.
a) cookedb) was cookingc) had cookedd) has cooked
3.After he ___ the email, he turned off the computer.
a) has sentb) sentc) was sendingd) had sent
4.I ___ never ___ such a beautiful sunset before that day.
a) was / seeingb) did / seec) have / seend) had / seen
5.By the time we got to the cinema, the film ___.
a) has startedb) startedc) had startedd) was starting
... and 15 more questions in the PDF
Preview: Answers
1.had / left
2.had cooked
3.had sent
4.had / seen
5.had started
... and 15 more answers in the PDF
Preview: Explanations
1."had / left"(b)
The train left before I arrived. Past Perfect 'had left' shows the earlier action.
2."had cooked"(c)
The cooking was completed before the husband's arrival, so Past Perfect is used.
3."had sent"(d)
'After' + Past Perfect shows the first completed action before the second.
4."had / seen"(d)
Past Perfect is used for experiences before a specific past time.
5."had started"(c)
'By the time' + Past Perfect shows the action was completed before another past event.
... and 15 more explanations in the PDF
Prefer practicing online?
Try our interactive exercises with instant feedback.