Intermediate120 min
Past Perfect Simple and Continuous
| Tense | Structure | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| Past Perfect Simple | had + past participle | I had finished my homework before dinner. |
| Past Perfect Continuous | had been + present participle (verb+ing) | I had been studying for two hours when she called. |
Past perfect simple
We form the past perfect simple with had + past participle.
We use the past perfect simple to talk about a completed action in the past that happened before another action.
When I got to the airport, the plane had already left .
By the time we arrived, the party had finished.
We often use the past perfect simple after 'thinking’ verbs such as realise, remember, forget, think and find out when we thought or learnt about something that happened
earlier.
I suddenly remembered I hadn’t called my mother.
I found out they had offered the job to someone else.
Past perfect continuous
We form the past perfect continuous with had + been + -ing form.
We use the past perfect continuous to talk about actions or situations which started before a specific time in the past and were still in progress up to that point.
She retired last year. She’d been working at the company since 1972.
We often use the past simple with the past perfect continuous to show that one action interrupted or stopped another.
She’d been waiting for two hours when Joe appeared.
He’d been living there for three months before he met his neighbour.
We can also use the past continuous to describe an action which started before a specific time in the past and has finished, but the effects or results were still important.
I was exhausted because I’d been studying all night.
Notice the difference between the past perfect simple and past perfect continuous.
I was proud of myself because I’d cleaned the whole flat.
(The action was completed.)
I was tired because I’d been cleaning the flat. (The action was not completed.)
Notice that we use the past perfect simple, NOT the past perfect continuous, with state verbs such as like, love, hate, know, own, etc.
I’d known Sam since we were at college.
I’d always loved sailing.
We form the past perfect simple with had + past participle.
We use the past perfect simple to talk about a completed action in the past that happened before another action.
When I got to the airport, the plane had already left .
By the time we arrived, the party had finished.
We often use the past perfect simple after 'thinking’ verbs such as realise, remember, forget, think and find out when we thought or learnt about something that happened
earlier.
I suddenly remembered I hadn’t called my mother.
I found out they had offered the job to someone else.
Past perfect continuous
We form the past perfect continuous with had + been + -ing form.
We use the past perfect continuous to talk about actions or situations which started before a specific time in the past and were still in progress up to that point.
She retired last year. She’d been working at the company since 1972.
We often use the past simple with the past perfect continuous to show that one action interrupted or stopped another.
She’d been waiting for two hours when Joe appeared.
He’d been living there for three months before he met his neighbour.
We can also use the past continuous to describe an action which started before a specific time in the past and has finished, but the effects or results were still important.
I was exhausted because I’d been studying all night.
Notice the difference between the past perfect simple and past perfect continuous.
I was proud of myself because I’d cleaned the whole flat.
(The action was completed.)
I was tired because I’d been cleaning the flat. (The action was not completed.)
Notice that we use the past perfect simple, NOT the past perfect continuous, with state verbs such as like, love, hate, know, own, etc.
I’d known Sam since we were at college.
I’d always loved sailing.
Quiz
Question 1 of 10
Choose the correct past perfect simple form: I _____ (finish) my work before he arrived.
had finish
had finished
have finished
has finished
First Day at Work
The first day at work is often a blend of excitement and nervousness. It's the moment when all the preparation, anticipation, and sometimes worry finally meet reality. As you step into the office, you might feel a rush of emotions, from eagerness to impress to uncertainty about what lies ahead.
From the very beginning, time seems to move quickly yet to stretch out endlessly. Initially, when you arrive at the company, the morning buzz is palpable. You might have prepared for this moment for weeks or even months. During the first hour, introductions play a significant role. You meet your colleagues, supervisors, and maybe your team. Within seconds, your mind starts to absorb an entirely new environment.
As the morning progresses, you are usually given a tour of the workplace. This could include understanding the layout, learning emergency exits, and locating necessary facilities such as the cafeteria or restrooms. Typically, these moments help reduce anxiety because you start becoming familiar with your surroundings.
By the mid-morning, you will likely have your initial training or orientation session. This might last anywhere between one to two hours. It often involves understanding company policies, safety procedures, and the basics of your job role. Normally, trainers provide you with plenty of information, so you may need to take diligent notes. Before you know it, the morning is gone.
When lunchtime arrives, colleagues often invite new employees to join them. This social interaction is an essential part of establishing your place within the team. People tend to share stories about their own first days, offering advice and encouragement. Around this time, you begin to feel more integrated and less like an outsider.
The afternoon focuses more on hands-on experience. You might start working on small tasks or shadowing a more experienced coworker. Immediately after lunch, the work pace can pick up, signaling the transition from orientation to actual work. Frequently, supervisors check in to ensure progress and answer any questions.
Throughout the day, time markers such as “once,” “by the time,” “as soon as,” and “after that” become crucial in narrating events and understanding sequences. For example, by the time the clock strikes three, you might feel more comfortable handling your responsibilities. As soon as a colleague offers help, your confidence grows.
Towards the end of the day, a review or debrief may occur. This is a valuable opportunity to clarify doubts and reflect on what you have learned. Usually, you receive feedback and guidance on the next steps. It’s normal to feel tired but satisfied.
Overall, the first day at work is more than just about starting a job. It's about transitioning into a new phase of life, meeting new people, and setting the tone for your professional journey. Naturally, there will be challenges, but with patience and openness, you grow from the very first moment.
Remember, every experienced professional once had their first day too. The time will soon come when what seemed difficult or unfamiliar now feels like second nature. Until then, take each moment as an opportunity – because the first day at work is truly the start of something exciting and new.
From the very beginning, time seems to move quickly yet to stretch out endlessly. Initially, when you arrive at the company, the morning buzz is palpable. You might have prepared for this moment for weeks or even months. During the first hour, introductions play a significant role. You meet your colleagues, supervisors, and maybe your team. Within seconds, your mind starts to absorb an entirely new environment.
As the morning progresses, you are usually given a tour of the workplace. This could include understanding the layout, learning emergency exits, and locating necessary facilities such as the cafeteria or restrooms. Typically, these moments help reduce anxiety because you start becoming familiar with your surroundings.
By the mid-morning, you will likely have your initial training or orientation session. This might last anywhere between one to two hours. It often involves understanding company policies, safety procedures, and the basics of your job role. Normally, trainers provide you with plenty of information, so you may need to take diligent notes. Before you know it, the morning is gone.
When lunchtime arrives, colleagues often invite new employees to join them. This social interaction is an essential part of establishing your place within the team. People tend to share stories about their own first days, offering advice and encouragement. Around this time, you begin to feel more integrated and less like an outsider.
The afternoon focuses more on hands-on experience. You might start working on small tasks or shadowing a more experienced coworker. Immediately after lunch, the work pace can pick up, signaling the transition from orientation to actual work. Frequently, supervisors check in to ensure progress and answer any questions.
Throughout the day, time markers such as “once,” “by the time,” “as soon as,” and “after that” become crucial in narrating events and understanding sequences. For example, by the time the clock strikes three, you might feel more comfortable handling your responsibilities. As soon as a colleague offers help, your confidence grows.
Towards the end of the day, a review or debrief may occur. This is a valuable opportunity to clarify doubts and reflect on what you have learned. Usually, you receive feedback and guidance on the next steps. It’s normal to feel tired but satisfied.
Overall, the first day at work is more than just about starting a job. It's about transitioning into a new phase of life, meeting new people, and setting the tone for your professional journey. Naturally, there will be challenges, but with patience and openness, you grow from the very first moment.
Remember, every experienced professional once had their first day too. The time will soon come when what seemed difficult or unfamiliar now feels like second nature. Until then, take each moment as an opportunity – because the first day at work is truly the start of something exciting and new.
blend of excitement and nervousness: A mixture of feelings involving both anticipation and anxiety.
anticipation: The feeling of looking forward to something.
rush of emotions: A sudden strong feeling of different emotions.
eager to impress: Wanting to make a good impression.
uncertainty: Feeling unsure or doubtful about something.
palpable: Able to be felt or easily noticed.
introductions: The act of meeting someone for the first time.
absorb a new environment: To become familiar and comfortable with a new place.
tour of the workplace: A guided visit around the place where one will be working.
familiar with your surroundings: Knowing a place well enough to feel comfortable.
training or orientation session: A meeting or program to learn about the job and company.
company policies: Rules and guidelines set by the company.
safety procedures: Steps to follow to stay safe at work.
diligent notes: Carefully written records for later study or reference.
social interaction: Communicating and spending time with others.
establishing your place: Making yourself accepted as part of a group.
integrated: Being part of the group and accepted.
outsider: Someone who is not part of a group.
hands-on experience: Learning by doing actual work rather than just theory.
shadowing a coworker: Following and watching a colleague to learn from them.
work pace: The speed at which work is done.
check in: To communicate with someone to report progress or problems.
time markers: Words or phrases indicating the time of events.
narrating events: Telling a story or describing what happened.
understanding sequences: Knowing the order in which things happen.
review or debrief: A session to discuss what has been done and learned.
clarify doubts: To make uncertainties clear.
feedback and guidance: Advice and suggestions given to help improve.
transitioning into a new phase: Moving from one stage of life or work to another.
setting the tone: Creating the mood or style for something.
challenges: Difficult tasks or problems to overcome.
patience and openness: Being tolerant and willing to accept new ideas.
second nature: Something done easily without thinking because of practice.
take each moment as an opportunity: To use every chance to learn or grow.
- Describe your first day at work or school. What feelings did you experience?
- What are some common challenges people face on their first day at a new job?
- How important is it to make a good first impression at work? Explain with examples.
- Discuss the role of social interaction during the first day at work. How can it help a new employee?
- What are the benefits of hands-on experience compared to theoretical learning?
- How would you prepare for your first day at a new job? What steps would you take?
- Talk about a time when you had to adapt quickly to a new environment. How did you handle it?
- Why is feedback and guidance important for new employees?
- Describe how time expressions (like "as soon as", "by the time") can help when narrating past events.
- What advice would you give to someone starting their first job to help them succeed?
Connected Speech: Past Perfect Continuous
The past perfect continuous tense is formed with "had been" followed by the verb ending in "-ing" (e.g., "had been studying"). In natural speech, these words often link together smoothly, which can make them difficult to hear separately.
Some common connected speech features to notice in the past perfect continuous include:
1. Linking /d/ and /b/: The /d/ sound at the end of "had" links with the /b/ at the start of "been," sounding like "hadbin" or "had'been."
2. Weak forms and contractions: "Had" often reduces to /d/ or even /t/ sounds, especially in casual speech, making phrases like "I had been" sound like "I'd been."
3. Assimilation: Sounds change to become more like nearby sounds. For example, in "had been," the /d/ can blend smoothly into the /b/, making a softer, quicker transition.
Example sentences:
- "She had been working all night before the meeting."
- "They had been waiting for hours when the train finally arrived."
Some common connected speech features to notice in the past perfect continuous include:
1. Linking /d/ and /b/: The /d/ sound at the end of "had" links with the /b/ at the start of "been," sounding like "hadbin" or "had'been."
2. Weak forms and contractions: "Had" often reduces to /d/ or even /t/ sounds, especially in casual speech, making phrases like "I had been" sound like "I'd been."
3. Assimilation: Sounds change to become more like nearby sounds. For example, in "had been," the /d/ can blend smoothly into the /b/, making a softer, quicker transition.
Example sentences:
- "She had been working all night before the meeting."
- "They had been waiting for hours when the train finally arrived."