[FCE] Past Continuous, Past Perfect, Past Perfect Continuous

Past Continuous

We use Past Continuous (past form of be + -ing) to talk about something which was in progress during a period of time in the past: I was listening to the news on television at nine o’clock last night.

We use it to give background information: It was pouring with rain and she was wondering what to do.

We also use it the Past Simple to say that something happened in the middle of something else: I slept when my friend called. I was sleeping when my friend called.

Past Perfect

The Past Perfect (had + past participle) is the past form of the Present Prefect. We use it to talk about a past event which happened before another past event: When I bought some fruit I went back to the beach. When I had bought some fruit I went back to the beach.

We often use the Past Perfect with when or after: After they had eaten, they cleared the table.

We also use the Past Perfect in indirect speech when reporting the Past Simple or Present Perfect: ‘I have found the answer.’ becomes She told us she had found the answer.

Compare the Past Perfect and the Past Simple: When I arrived at the party, Mary left. (= I arrived and then Mary left) When I arrived at the party, Mary had left. (= Mary left and then I arrived)

Past Perfect Continuous

The Past Perfect Continuous (had been + -ing) is the past form of the Present Perfect Continuous. We use it to talk about something which had been in progress up to the time in the past we are talking about: They had been climbing for five hours before they reached the top of the mountain. I had been feeling sleepy all day so I went to bed early.

Source: Grammar & Vocabulary for First Certificate

Artikel Terkait: