Sometimes it’s not clear whether you need to use the past simple or past perfect (simple) in a sentence. These tenses are both used to talk about events in the past.
The past simple is used to talk about habits, simple actions, and general truths in the past. The past perfect is used to talk about events that happened before other actions in the past.
Past simple or past perfect exercise
This is an exercise in which you need to choose between the past simple or past perfect (simple). Make sure you know which event happened first because it’s important to fill in the correct tense.
You can find the exercise below:
Past Simple or Past Perfect Exercise 1
Complete these sentences by filling in the correct form of the verb in the past simple or past perfect (simple).
1.
He (to say) that he (to go) to the store before.2.
Before we (to enter) the club, we (to buy) drinks.3.
Please tell me what you (to do).4.
(he, to tell) you what he (to do)?5.
When she (to arrive) home, she (to see) that thieves (to steal) her car.6.
(they, to go) to the United States before I (to do)?7.
(you, to like) the gift I (to give) you last year for your birthday?8.
I (to use) the voucher I (to win) in a competition.9.
This (to be) the perfect opportunity to retake a picture my parents (to take) 10 years ago.10.
He (to run) his first marathon yesterday, but he (not, to train) that well.