Function:

• Used to describe an action that was completed before another past action.

It focuses on the result of the action.

Example:

• She had finished her homework before her parents arrived.

Key Expressions:

• Before/after

• By the time

• Already

• Just

Function:

• Used to describe an action that was on going before another past action.

• Has a duration

Focuses on the duration of the action

Example:

• She had been studying for hours, before she took a break.

Order and duration of the events

Key expressions:

• For

• Since

• Before

• When

• Until

• She had written her notes on her notebook by the time the class was over.

• She had seen her best friend before going traveling to her hometown.

• He had sent a text to his best friend just in time for the presentation.

Past Perfect Progressive

• He had been playing soccer for ten years.

• She has been playing the violin since she was seven years old.

• He had been studying until his friends called him.

Example:

• I’m visiting my relatives this Easter holidays

• She’s planing to travel by the end of the year.

• I’m checking my bank account when my credit card cuts.

• 
  

• Express scheduled events

• Concerts, flights, appointments, conferences, timetable events.

Examples:

• The movie starts at 8:15

• I take the flight at 13:00

• The train leaves tomorrow morning.

• I’m missing my history class today

• He’s having dinner with my parents later

• I’m playing with my sister tomorrow

• She’s having her hair dyed tomorrow.

Present Simple

• I have to leave at 7

• She has an appointment ay 6

• He has a meeting tomorrow morning

• I have a class tomorrow evening