If you enjoyed this lesson could you do me a favour and HIT that like button on the video! Helps me a lot ❤ subscribe too so you don't miss the next lesson coming out! Thanks guys! 🙏🏻
So to sum it up we use the simple past perfect to underline that the action is concluded and the progressive to underline that the past action was a habit at that time.
I had been searching for a great teacher on UA-cam when I found you. I really liked your videos and I understood the topics much better! Thank you so much!!
I've been watching your lessons and generally like it as you explain things clearly. For this one, I have a comment/suggestion when illustrating the difference between PPS and PPC. The example of PPS "I had work in sales BEFORE I graduated" is fine. But for PPC, I think using "when" is more appropriate than "after" as in "I had been working in sales WHEN I graduated". This clearly indicates the action (work) was still continuing WHEN (up until the day) I graduated. It sounds more "logical" to me.
I specifically chose the latest video you've uploaded just to write a comment for you my dear: YOU ARE A PERFECT TEACHER. Really you deserve 1000 millions of subscribers. You are very special. I came through many videos to understand tenses in English, but yours was the best ever. My warmest greetings from Algeria A request for you if you don't mind, Are you British? I like your acent and I want to acquire it!
Hi. the past perfect simple emphasises the completion of an action. The past perfect continuous emphasises a continuing action or an incomplete action where the focus is on the duration. I hope that helps!
Thank you so much. The verb tense is very confusing, because my mother language Chinese mandarin there is no such thing; you don’t need to change verb tense and the Chinese grammar is super easy. So when it switch to English, I always need to think for a while when it comes to the verb tense. I think I need a bit more practices on this. Thanks a lot!!
So the first answer is past perfect tense and second answer is past perfect continuous tense..... Your the best teacher ever...... Love you from India ❤❤❤
Respected Ma'am, being undisputedly the greatest grammarian of this generation across the globe, you are earnestly entreated with folded hands to let me know which of the following sentences is grammatically and semantically correct -The principal arrived and the meeting started (Make it a Complex sentence). My probable answers-(A) When the principal arrived, the meeting started (B) When the principal had arrived, the meeting started (C) The meeting started when the principal had arrived.Ma,am, do please let me know which of the above answers would be the most appropriate one, and explain the nuances.
All three sentences you've provided are grammatically correct, but there are subtle nuances that affect which is the most appropriate depending on the context. Let's break each option down: (A) "When the principal arrived, the meeting started." This sentence is grammatically and semantically correct. It implies that the principal’s arrival and the start of the meeting happened almost simultaneously. The arrival of the principal directly triggers the start of the meeting. Tense used: Both verbs are in the simple past, which is appropriate for two events happening in quick succession. Nuance: It suggests no significant delay between the two actions. This is a typical and neutral way to express the sequence of events. (B) "When the principal had arrived, the meeting started." This is also correct, but the use of the past perfect tense "had arrived" emphasizes that the principal’s arrival was fully completed before the meeting started. Tense used: The past perfect tense ("had arrived") is used to indicate that the principal's arrival happened before the meeting began, but it can imply a slight gap between the two events. Nuance: This version could suggest that there was a little time after the principal’s arrival before the meeting started, but the focus remains on the arrival being a prerequisite for the start of the meeting. It might be used if the arrival occurred some time earlier, and then, at a later point, the meeting began. (C) "The meeting started when the principal had arrived." This sentence is grammatically correct, but it is less smooth and sounds slightly awkward in most cases. The use of the past perfect tense "had arrived" seems unnecessary here because the sequence is already clear from the word "when." Tense used: Past perfect ("had arrived") with past simple ("started"). Nuance: It may feel redundant or overly formal. While it is technically correct, English speakers usually reserve the past perfect tense for situations where the timeline is complex or there are multiple events to differentiate. Most Appropriate Answer: (A) "When the principal arrived, the meeting started." is the most natural and commonly used sentence. It effectively communicates the sequence of events without unnecessary complexity and maintains smoothness in expression. Why not (B) or (C)? (B) is perfectly fine, but the past perfect tense adds a layer of formality or complexity that is unnecessary unless you're emphasizing that the principal had to be there for a while before the meeting started. (C) is technically correct, but it sounds slightly more awkward or redundant because "when" already establishes the order of events. In summary, (A) is the best choice for most everyday or formal contexts.
"I had been working in sales before I graduated"; for me that is the correct form because it was a temporary situation... Greetings and thanks a lot for the video
I think the first sentence means that I worked and finished that work before I graduated and the second sentence means that I had been still working before I graduated, or it was temporarily not permanent to work? let me know if it is correct, thank you! I enjoyed watching your video! I give you a thumb up (:
Hi yes, you are correct, the first sentence emphasises the completion of an action and the second sentence emphasises a continuing action and the focus is on the duration of the action. I hope that helps.
aste Taste can be both. This coffee tastes delicious. (state - our perception of the coffee) Look! The chef is tasting the soup. (action - tasting the soup is an activity) Hope that helps!
Clear, both actions happened before a main past event, however, the simple form is a finished action while the second refers to an action in progress, and we can also use it to describe a background situation, right? But why can I use LIVE in continuous form if it's a state verb? Thanks :)
While "live" is primarily a state verb, its use in continuous form is permissible in specific contexts where the emphasis is on duration, temporary status, or to describe a background situation in the past. This flexibility allows for nuanced expression in English, accommodating different shades of meaning in various contexts.
So "Had been" is past perfect continuous, but what is "has been", is it Present perfect continuous? + I have a test on friday and started studying today, this helped me so much!! Thank you!
The past perfect simple and past perfect continuous are both tenses used in English to express actions or states that occurred before a certain point in the past. However, they convey slightly different nuances. Past Perfect Simple: Structure: had + past participle Use: It is used to indicate an action or state that was completed before another past action or point in time. It emphasizes the completion of an action or the duration of a state up to a specific point in the past. Example: She had already eaten when I arrived. Past Perfect Continuous: Structure: had been + present participle Use: It is used to express the duration of an ongoing action or state that started before a certain point in the past and continued up to that point. It emphasizes the continuity of an action or state over a period leading up to the past reference point. Example: He had been working for hours before he took a break. Comparison: Past Perfect Simple: Emphasizes completion of an action or the state. Often used for a single completed event. "Had + past participle." Past Perfect Continuous: Emphasizes the duration of an ongoing action or state. Often used for actions or states that were ongoing for a period of time. "Had been + present participle." Example for Comparison: Past Perfect Simple: "I had finished my homework before dinner." Past Perfect Continuous: "I had been studying for hours before dinner." In summary, both tenses are used to express actions or states that occurred before a specific point in the past, but the past perfect simple focuses on the completion of actions, while the past perfect continuous emphasizes the duration of ongoing actions or states.
Hi , Madam. Can you explain the sentence that you given example of 'He has waited an hour for the train before it arrived.' and the next sentence is 'He have been waiting for an hour for the train before it arrived.'Thank you❤️🥺
"He had waited an hour for the train before it arrived." Explanation: The present perfect simple ("has waited") is not suitable here because the action was completed before another action in the past. For such cases, the past perfect tense ("had waited") should be used. This sentence indicates that by the time the train arrived, he had already waited for an hour.
In general, the past perfect continuous tense is not typically used with stative verbs because stative verbs describe states or conditions rather than actions or processes, which the continuous tenses are meant to convey. However, "feeling" is one of the few stative verbs that can also function as a dynamic verb. This means the past perfect continuous can be correct in this context, especially if the state of feeling frightened was ongoing and relevant to the narrative being described. So, here it is grammatically acceptable to use the past perfect continuous with "feeling" if you are emphasizing the duration of the emotion.
hey thanks ! so when do we have to use for a question the preterit or past perfect simple.... like "did the game start on time ? " or "had the game started on time ? " ? thank you :)
Hi, "Did the game start on time?" This sentence is in the simple past tense. It is asking whether the game commenced at the scheduled time in the past. "Had the game started on time?" This sentence is in the past perfect tense. It suggests that the speaker is looking at a point in the past and asking whether, at a specific time before another past event, the game had already started. It introduces a sequence of events in the past and emphasizes the timing of one event relative to another. In summary, the first sentence is a straightforward inquiry about the past, while the second sentence introduces a bit more complexity by focusing on the timing of the game in relation to another past event. I hope that helps!
You used the present continuous with the stative verb know "I hope you are more comfortable in knowing when to use..." is this a correct form? Min. 7:51
Hi fatmah, yes this sentence is correct. According to traditional grammar books, state verbs cannot normally be used in the continuous tenses. This is because they are not actions. However, some state verbs can be used in the continuous tense, with a difference in meaning. When they are used in the continuous form, they become actions. I hope that helps!
i had worked that's mean the job has done. i had been working that's mean the job is still continuing until now, right? but if the job is permanent, it should be "had worked" but it's also still ongoing so do we use had worked or had been working?
"Had worked" refers to a completed action in the past before another past event. "Had been working" refers to an ongoing action in the past, leading up to another past event. If the job is still ongoing now, you need to use present perfect or present perfect continuous ("have worked" or "have been working").
Thanks for the useful videos. I have been confused about the use of a time clause with "when" with the past perfect continuous. Is the following sentence correct? -It had been raining when we arrived in London. If it's correct, so how is it different from : "It was raining when we arrived in London" ?
Hi Lou, You are comparing two different tenses. The present perfect continuous, indicates an action began in the past and continued up to the present, the past perfect continuous is a verb tense that indicates something that began in the past, continued in the past, and also ended at a defined point in the past. I hope that helps!
Thanks for your reply, but I'm not comparing the tenses I'm comparing the time clause used with the two tenses. Is it possible to use a time clause with "when" when the tense of the main clause is in the past perfect continuous? @@oxfordenglishnow
Having completed my graduation I worked for food delivery company 😀 How about this one 1. plumber was installing the pipe when the accident happened Instead, plumber had been installing the pipe when the accident happened 2. we knew that already the company would be closed We knew that already the company was going to close
Hi shanu, Having completed my graduation I worked for A food delivery company 😀 THE plumber was installing the pipe when the accident happened Instead, THE plumber had been installing the pipe when the accident happened. Both are correct, remember when you use a past perfect tense, you are referring to an earlier past. So this action happened before another in the past and often clarifies the order of events. I hope that helps!
Hi, teacher! After thoughtful deliberation, we concluded that there is little or no difference between both sentences; they both basically mean the same. Are we right?
Hi, there is not much in it to be fair but the pps emphasises the completion of the action whie the ppc focus on the duration and a continuing action. I hope that helps.
Hi, in fact both are correct, they just convey different meanings. If we use the PPS we are emphasising the completion of an action and if we use the PPC we are emphasising an incomplete action, a continuing action and the focus is on the duration. I hope that helps! And much love right back at you Turkey! 🇹🇷
Not quite! Let’s clarify the difference between "I had worked" (past perfect) and "I had been working" (past perfect continuous). Your interpretation about the duration is a bit off-both forms can refer to actions of any length, depending on the context. The real difference lies in the **focus** and **aspect** of the actions. Here's a detailed explanation: --- 1. "I had worked" (Past Perfect) - Focuses on the **completion** of an action before a specific point in the past. - Does **not emphasize duration**; instead, it highlights that the action was finished. **Examples:** - I had worked there for three years before I moved to another city. *(Focus: The job was completed before moving.)* - She was tired because she had worked all night. *(Focus: Completion of work caused tiredness.)* --- 2. "I had been working" (Past Perfect Continuous) - Focuses on the **ongoing nature** or **duration** of an action before a specific point in the past. - Often emphasizes the **effects** or **results** of the action at that point. Examples: - I had been working for three hours before I took a break. *(Focus: The action was ongoing for a specific duration leading up to the break.)* - She was tired because she had been working all night. *(Focus: The continuous effort caused tiredness.)* I hope that helps!
So in the first example means that I had maybe a short time in the field of sales maybe I'm not now still working in sales And the second example means I'm still working in sales let me know teacher if I'm correct please thank you
Hi the PPS emphasises the completion of an action and the PPC emphasises a continuing action and the focus is on the duration of the action. I hope that helps.
Hii, thank you for the lesson I'm confused if these sentences below mean the same thing and are possiblee : 1. I have been getting better at playing football since 2020 2. I have got better at playing football since 2020 Do those mean the same thing ? Are both of the sentences possible ? Are there any differences ? Thank you.
Hi Omar, In the first sentence you are using the present perfect continuous, an action which started at a time in the past and is still continuing up until now... you are still improving and you are focussing and emphasising the action of getting better. Whereas if you use the present perfect simple with action verbs, you are emphasising the completion of an event in the recent past. I hope that helps.
Not exactly! Let’s clarify the differences between "had worked" and "had been working" in terms of meaning and usage: 1. Had Worked (Past Perfect) "Had worked" is used to show that an action was completed before another past event. It indicates that the action is finished and over by the time another action occurred. Example: She had worked at the company for 10 years before she retired. Here, her working at the company was completed before she retired, so it’s a finished action in the past. 2. Had Been Working (Past Perfect Continuous) "Had been working" is used to emphasize the duration or ongoing nature of an action up until a specific point in the past. It doesn’t mean the action continued up until now; instead, it shows that the action was happening continuously until a certain time in the past. Example: She had been working at the company for 10 years when the company closed down. This implies she was still working there continuously until the company closed (but not beyond that point). Key Difference: "Had worked" gives a sense of completion before another past event. "Had been working" emphasizes the ongoing nature of the action before the other past event, often suggesting that it continued right up until that event happened. Let me know if you’d like more examples to see the difference! 😊
Hi, Generally, I had worked represents a finished or permanent event whereas had been working represents a continuing or temporary event. I hope that helps!
So, does it mean past perfect continuoes similar with past continuous in the example The plumber had been installing the pipe when the accident happened. So we can also say The plumber was installing the pipe when the accident happened What the different then??
Hi, yes you can say that too. If you use the ppc you are emphasising that one action happened over a period of time BEFORE another. If you use the pc you are saying the action was interrupted by the second. I hope that helps!
The PPS indicates a completion of an action while the PPC conveys a continuing action or something that is incomplete and focusses on the duration of the action.
The **past perfect simple** is used to describe an action that was completed **before** another action or point in the past. However, there isn’t really a concept of **"permanent use"** in the past perfect. If you encountered the phrase "permanent use," it might be a misunderstanding, as the past perfect focuses on past actions in relation to other past actions. Let me explain more clearly with examples: ### Uses of Past Perfect Simple: 1. **Completed action before another past action:** - **Example:** "By the time she arrived, they **had already eaten**." - Here, the action of "eating" was fully completed before she arrived. 2. **Completed action before a specific time in the past:** - **Example:** "He **had finished** the report by 5 PM." - The action of "finishing" was completed before 5 PM (a specific point in the past). 3. **For clarification in a sequence of events:** - **Example:** "I **had never seen** such a beautiful sunset before I visited Hawaii." - The action of "never seeing a sunset" was true up until the point when I visited Hawaii. ### Possible Misinterpretation of "Permanent Use": If by **"permanent use"** you mean **a lasting state or condition in the past**, the past perfect can sometimes indicate that something remained true for an extended period before another event occurred. However, it doesn't imply something permanent into the present, just that it was true **before** another event or point in the past. For example: - **Example:** "He **had lived** in that house for 20 years before he moved." - The past perfect ("had lived") indicates that he had lived there for a long period before the past action of moving. ### Key Points to Understand: - The past perfect tense is used when you're talking about two actions in the past and want to emphasize that one happened **before** the other. - There’s no sense of something being "permanent" in the past perfect tense. It just shows completion before another past moment. Does this help clarify the concept for you?
@@oxfordenglishnowSo idk why u used PPS here: He had always lived with his parents. U said that is a permanent arrangement and im not clear. If is possibille can u give me some example like this type of use?
My Madam , Could you please tell me are these Sentences grammatically correct? If I say that ,I'm gald to see you in the poster, pictures, banner, flex ,holdings which preposition do I have to use ? Which do I have to use ? 1)I'm gald to see your picture in the banner. Or on the banner? 2)I'm gald to see you in the banner. Or on the banner?
Hi Mohamed, we would say, I'm glad to see you in the poster. in the poster (or photo) - Is she in the poster? on the poster (or photo) - Don't place anything on the poster as it will ruin the poster. A banner is a long strip of cloth bearing a slogan or design, carried in a demonstration or procession or hung in a public place.When it is displayed in a public place it becomes a sign as well. While we would say, "What's the name on that animal in the photo," it also sounds natural to say "What's the name of that animal (pictured) on the sign?" Admittedly a confusing issue.
The plumbers had been doing this for 2 hours before they got an Idea, is that correct? And also The plumbers had did this before so they knew everything?
'I was very tired when i got home . i had been working hard all day' - i do not realy undestand why we use PPC if it is finished action in past , why is it not 'i had worked ?'
In the sentence "I was very tired when I got home. I had been working hard all day," the past perfect continuous (PPC) tense "had been working" is used to emphasize the duration of the action leading up to a specific point in the past. While both "I had worked" and "I had been working" are grammatically correct, they convey different nuances: Past Perfect (I had worked): This would imply a completed action. If you say, "I had worked hard all day," it suggests that you had finished working hard before feeling tired when you got home. Past Perfect Continuous (I had been working): This emphasizes the ongoing nature of the action. "I had been working hard all day" implies that you were engaged in continuous, ongoing work up to the point when you got home. It provides a sense of the duration and effort put into the activity. In your context, the past perfect continuous is used to highlight the continuous and prolonged nature of the hard work throughout the day, contributing to your tiredness when you arrived home. Both options are grammatically correct, but the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Here after a long time. Could you please explain He died / had died before I was born. What should i use? Also, He died/had died before my birth. What should i use?
Hi Akshat, you could use both. The past perfect simple is used to sequence events in the past to show which event happened first. The past simple often suggests a stronger connection between the time of the two events. In spoken English, it is common to use only the simple past and not the past perfect. I hope that helps!
Hi Jean, Both sentences are correct. I wanted you to understand the difference between them and when you use them. Watch the lesson again and you will understand the difference. I hope that helps.
Well I have an exam tomorrow and trust me your videos explains things so clearly 🤍✨ keep going Thank you again and I’m sure bcz of you I’m gonna do well
I've been watching your lessons and generally like it as you explain things clearly. For this one, I have a comment/ suggestion when illustrating the difference between PPS and PPC. The example of PPS "I had work in sales BEFORE I graduated" is fine. But for PPC, I think using "when" is more appropriate than "after" as in "I had been working in sales WHEN I graduated". This clearly indicates the action (work) was still continuing WHEN (up until the day) I graduated. It sounds more "logical" to me.
By using "when" with PPC, you clearly convey that the action of working in sales was still happening at the time of graduation, making the distinction between the two tenses more apparent. Your suggestion indeed makes the examples more logical and clear for illustrating the difference. Thank you.
If you enjoyed this lesson could you do me a favour and HIT that like button on the video! Helps me a lot ❤ subscribe too so you don't miss the next lesson coming out! Thanks guys! 🙏🏻
I'm student from Spain and I've understood everything better! Thanks so much.
So to sum it up we use the simple past perfect to underline that the action is concluded and the progressive to underline that the past action was a habit at that time.
Progressive can also show that it was ongoing over a period of time.
@@oxfordenglishnow many thanks for having replied to my comment
I had been searching for a great teacher on UA-cam when I found you. I really liked your videos and I understood the topics much better! Thank you so much!!
I'm so glad you found my videos helpful!
I've been watching your lessons and generally like it as you explain things clearly. For this one, I have a comment/suggestion when illustrating the difference between PPS and PPC. The example of PPS "I had work in sales BEFORE I graduated" is fine. But for PPC, I think using "when" is more appropriate than "after" as in "I had been working in sales WHEN I graduated". This clearly indicates the action (work) was still continuing WHEN (up until the day) I graduated. It sounds more "logical" to me.
Hi J Newman, thanks for your suggestion and I see your point. Your sentence is clearer! Well done!
I have a test about this tomorrow and this was so helpful! Thank you so much!
My pleasure! Good luck with your test!
When I finished watching this video I literally talked to myself for 5 minutes about how smart all of this is. Thank you very much❤
You're very welcome!
The way you teach is very appreciative and useful. Learn more from you and will have been learning.
Glad to hear that
I'd been confusing about using of PPC and PPS but after watching ur videos now I know how to use them properly. Thank you
That's great to hear! Glad it helped!
Your teaching methoder is very amazing
Glad you think so!
I specifically chose the latest video you've uploaded just to write a comment for you my dear: YOU ARE A PERFECT TEACHER. Really you deserve 1000 millions of subscribers. You are very special. I came through many videos to understand tenses in English, but yours was the best ever. My warmest greetings from Algeria
A request for you if you don't mind,
Are you British? I like your acent and I want to acquire it!
Hi Walida, such kind words, thank you so much! Yes, I am British, from Oxford, hence the name. Welcome to my channel!
@@oxfordenglishnow Thank you very much for answering me. Wish you the best success in the world. My greetings.
1. text it is a complete action that happened before the past, and 2. text is an action which is happening before the past until the past
Hi. the past perfect simple emphasises the completion of an action. The past perfect continuous emphasises a continuing action or an incomplete action where the focus is on the duration. I hope that helps!
THE BEST TEACHER EVER
Thank you so much !
Thank you so much. The verb tense is very confusing, because my mother language Chinese mandarin there is no such thing; you don’t need to change verb tense and the Chinese grammar is super easy. So when it switch to English, I always need to think for a while when it comes to the verb tense. I think I need a bit more practices on this. Thanks a lot!!
Glad it was helpful!
You're look like a great teacher
New person to the channel hello and thank you very much ❤️
My pleasure !
So the first answer is past perfect tense and second answer is past perfect continuous tense..... Your the best teacher ever...... Love you from India ❤❤❤
Please pin me
And please 🥺🥺🥺 say I love you ❤❤
Hi, yes but which one is the right answer? and why? thank you so much for your kind words. A big hello to India?
Respected Ma'am, being undisputedly the greatest grammarian of this generation across the globe, you are earnestly entreated with folded hands to let me know which of the following sentences is grammatically and semantically correct -The principal arrived and the meeting started (Make it a Complex sentence). My probable answers-(A) When the principal arrived, the meeting started (B) When the principal had arrived, the meeting started (C) The meeting started when the principal had arrived.Ma,am, do please let me know which of the above answers would be the most appropriate one, and explain the nuances.
All three sentences you've provided are grammatically correct, but there are subtle nuances that affect which is the most appropriate depending on the context. Let's break each option down:
(A) "When the principal arrived, the meeting started."
This sentence is grammatically and semantically correct. It implies that the principal’s arrival and the start of the meeting happened almost simultaneously. The arrival of the principal directly triggers the start of the meeting.
Tense used: Both verbs are in the simple past, which is appropriate for two events happening in quick succession.
Nuance: It suggests no significant delay between the two actions. This is a typical and neutral way to express the sequence of events.
(B) "When the principal had arrived, the meeting started."
This is also correct, but the use of the past perfect tense "had arrived" emphasizes that the principal’s arrival was fully completed before the meeting started.
Tense used: The past perfect tense ("had arrived") is used to indicate that the principal's arrival happened before the meeting began, but it can imply a slight gap between the two events.
Nuance: This version could suggest that there was a little time after the principal’s arrival before the meeting started, but the focus remains on the arrival being a prerequisite for the start of the meeting. It might be used if the arrival occurred some time earlier, and then, at a later point, the meeting began.
(C) "The meeting started when the principal had arrived."
This sentence is grammatically correct, but it is less smooth and sounds slightly awkward in most cases. The use of the past perfect tense "had arrived" seems unnecessary here because the sequence is already clear from the word "when."
Tense used: Past perfect ("had arrived") with past simple ("started").
Nuance: It may feel redundant or overly formal. While it is technically correct, English speakers usually reserve the past perfect tense for situations where the timeline is complex or there are multiple events to differentiate.
Most Appropriate Answer:
(A) "When the principal arrived, the meeting started." is the most natural and commonly used sentence. It effectively communicates the sequence of events without unnecessary complexity and maintains smoothness in expression.
Why not (B) or (C)?
(B) is perfectly fine, but the past perfect tense adds a layer of formality or complexity that is unnecessary unless you're emphasizing that the principal had to be there for a while before the meeting started.
(C) is technically correct, but it sounds slightly more awkward or redundant because "when" already establishes the order of events.
In summary, (A) is the best choice for most everyday or formal contexts.
I'd really enjoyed your teaching, thanks a lot~
You're very welcome!
"I had been working in sales before I graduated"; for me that is the correct form because it was a temporary situation... Greetings and thanks a lot for the video
Great! Well done.
I think the first sentence means that I worked and finished that work before I graduated and the second sentence means that I had been still working before I graduated, or it was temporarily not permanent to work? let me know if it is correct, thank you!
I enjoyed watching your video! I give you a thumb up (:
Hi yes, you are correct, the first sentence emphasises the completion of an action and the second sentence emphasises a continuing action and the focus is on the duration of the action. I hope that helps.
Thanks for the thumbs up!
I'd say:
had worked - finished or permanent event
had been working - continuing or temporary event
Well done! Spot on!
Thank you so much, you’re so intelligent and I like your explanation a lot! :)
You're very welcome!
Thank you so much, your explanations are amazing!
Glad you like them!
Woww wonderful explanation 😊😊
Thanks a lot 😊
Thank you for this wonderful explanation, but i wonder why (taste), in the example you mentioned, is a stative not an action verb.
aste
Taste can be both. This coffee tastes delicious. (state - our perception of the coffee)
Look! The chef is tasting the soup. (action - tasting the soup is an activity)
Hope that helps!
@@oxfordenglishnow very helpful, thanks alot.
You are very good teacher.
Thank you! 😃
Super explanation! Thank You 🇺🇦
Glad it was helpful!
thank you so much, it helped a lot! im a student who live in turkiye and trying to be english teacher.
My pleasure 😇. Good luck to becoming a teacher!
Clear, both actions happened before a main past event, however, the simple form is a finished action while the second refers to an action in progress, and we can also use it to describe a background situation, right? But why can I use LIVE in continuous form if it's a state verb? Thanks :)
While "live" is primarily a state verb, its use in continuous form is permissible in specific contexts where the emphasis is on duration, temporary status, or to describe a background situation in the past. This flexibility allows for nuanced expression in English, accommodating different shades of meaning in various contexts.
So "Had been" is past perfect continuous, but what is "has been", is it Present perfect continuous?
+ I have a test on friday and started studying today, this helped me so much!! Thank you!
Glad to hear it! Good Luck!
I had studied for 2 hours
I had been studying for 2 hours when you rang the bell
Well done!
That was great. Thank you..😍
You are so welcome!
Thanks madam you showed difference between had been and had
My pleasure!
We can also show habit action
The past perfect simple and past perfect continuous are both tenses used in English to express actions or states that occurred before a certain point in the past. However, they convey slightly different nuances.
Past Perfect Simple:
Structure: had + past participle
Use:
It is used to indicate an action or state that was completed before another past action or point in time.
It emphasizes the completion of an action or the duration of a state up to a specific point in the past.
Example:
She had already eaten when I arrived.
Past Perfect Continuous:
Structure: had been + present participle
Use:
It is used to express the duration of an ongoing action or state that started before a certain point in the past and continued up to that point.
It emphasizes the continuity of an action or state over a period leading up to the past reference point.
Example:
He had been working for hours before he took a break.
Comparison:
Past Perfect Simple:
Emphasizes completion of an action or the state.
Often used for a single completed event.
"Had + past participle."
Past Perfect Continuous:
Emphasizes the duration of an ongoing action or state.
Often used for actions or states that were ongoing for a period of time.
"Had been + present participle."
Example for Comparison:
Past Perfect Simple: "I had finished my homework before dinner."
Past Perfect Continuous: "I had been studying for hours before dinner."
In summary, both tenses are used to express actions or states that occurred before a specific point in the past, but the past perfect simple focuses on the completion of actions, while the past perfect continuous emphasizes the duration of ongoing actions or states.
Thank you so much for your valuable explanation.
Glad it was helpful!
Hi , Madam. Can you explain the sentence that you given example of 'He has waited an hour for the train before it arrived.' and the next sentence is 'He have been waiting for an hour for the train before it arrived.'Thank you❤️🥺
"He had waited an hour for the train before it arrived."
Explanation: The present perfect simple ("has waited") is not suitable here because the action was completed before another action in the past. For such cases, the past perfect tense ("had waited") should be used. This sentence indicates that by the time the train arrived, he had already waited for an hour.
Amazing explanation!
it is correct to use past perfect continuous with stative verbs?
EX. I had been felling a little frightened.
In general, the past perfect continuous tense is not typically used with stative verbs because stative verbs describe states or conditions rather than actions or processes, which the continuous tenses are meant to convey.
However, "feeling" is one of the few stative verbs that can also function as a dynamic verb. This means the past perfect continuous can be correct in this context, especially if the state of feeling frightened was ongoing and relevant to the narrative being described.
So, here it is grammatically acceptable to use the past perfect continuous with "feeling" if you are emphasizing the duration of the emotion.
This was a lesson I had been looking forward to. (Is my comment correct?)
Yes, it is! Well done!
hey thanks ! so when do we have to use for a question the preterit or past perfect simple.... like "did the game start on time ? " or "had the game started on time ? " ? thank you :)
Hi,
"Did the game start on time?"
This sentence is in the simple past tense. It is asking whether the game commenced at the scheduled time in the past.
"Had the game started on time?"
This sentence is in the past perfect tense. It suggests that the speaker is looking at a point in the past and asking whether, at a specific time before another past event, the game had already started. It introduces a sequence of events in the past and emphasizes the timing of one event relative to another.
In summary, the first sentence is a straightforward inquiry about the past, while the second sentence introduces a bit more complexity by focusing on the timing of the game in relation to another past event. I hope that helps!
Thank you for this video. Very useful.
Glad it was helpful!
You used the present continuous with the stative verb know "I hope you are more comfortable in knowing when to use..." is this a correct form? Min. 7:51
Hi fatmah, yes this sentence is correct. According to traditional grammar books, state verbs cannot normally be used in the continuous tenses. This is because they are not actions. However, some state verbs can be used in the continuous tense, with a difference in meaning. When they are used in the continuous form, they become actions. I hope that helps!
❤🎉
Thanks for lesson
My pleasure 😇
i had worked that's mean the job has done.
i had been working that's mean the job is still continuing until now, right?
but if the job is permanent, it should be "had worked" but it's also still ongoing so do we use had worked or had been working?
"Had worked" refers to a completed action in the past before another past event.
"Had been working" refers to an ongoing action in the past, leading up to another past event.
If the job is still ongoing now, you need to use present perfect or present perfect continuous ("have worked" or "have been working").
thank you so much, you saved my life:)
You're welcome!
Thanks for the useful videos.
I have been confused about the use of a time clause with "when" with the past perfect continuous. Is the following sentence correct? -It had been raining when we arrived in London.
If it's correct, so how is it different from : "It was raining when we arrived in London" ?
Hi Lou, You are comparing two different tenses. The present perfect continuous, indicates an action began in the past and continued up to the present, the past perfect continuous is a verb tense that indicates something that began in the past, continued in the past, and also ended at a defined point in the past. I hope that helps!
But it was raining it is the past continuous
Thanks for your reply, but I'm not comparing the tenses I'm comparing the time clause used with the two tenses. Is it possible to use a time clause with "when" when the tense of the main clause is in the past perfect continuous? @@oxfordenglishnow
please see my reply above @@10-a56
thank you
You're welcome! 😊
I had been working in sales before I graduated.
Great Prakash! Well done!
thank u for save me !!❤
You're welcome!
Having completed my graduation I worked for food delivery company 😀
How about this one
1. plumber was installing the pipe when the accident happened
Instead, plumber had been installing the pipe when the accident happened
2. we knew that already the company would be closed
We knew that already the company was going to close
Hi shanu,
Having completed my graduation I worked for A food delivery company 😀
THE plumber was installing the pipe when the accident happened
Instead, THE plumber had been installing the pipe when the accident happened. Both are correct, remember when you use a past perfect tense, you are referring to an earlier past. So this action happened before another in the past and often clarifies the order of events. I hope that helps!
Well explained ma'am,much obliged
My pleasure!
Thanks a lot!
You're welcome!
Madam please explain
She was invited in the show when she got married/ had got married.
Which one?
Hi Akshat, She was invited ON the show when she got married. I think this one sounds best. I hope that helps!
Hi, teacher! After thoughtful deliberation, we concluded that there is little or no difference between both sentences; they both basically mean the same. Are we right?
Hi, there is not much in it to be fair but the pps emphasises the completion of the action whie the ppc focus on the duration and a continuing action. I hope that helps.
I think the answer is the 2nd one. By the way soo much love from türkiye
Hi, in fact both are correct, they just convey different meanings. If we use the PPS we are emphasising the completion of an action and if we use the PPC we are emphasising an incomplete action, a continuing action and the focus is on the duration. I hope that helps! And much love right back at you Turkey! 🇹🇷
I hos work means it is situation that it lasted long time
I had been working means just a short time I worked it is like changing aspect
Not quite! Let’s clarify the difference between "I had worked" (past perfect) and "I had been working" (past perfect continuous). Your interpretation about the duration is a bit off-both forms can refer to actions of any length, depending on the context. The real difference lies in the **focus** and **aspect** of the actions. Here's a detailed explanation:
---
1. "I had worked" (Past Perfect)
- Focuses on the **completion** of an action before a specific point in the past.
- Does **not emphasize duration**; instead, it highlights that the action was finished.
**Examples:**
- I had worked there for three years before I moved to another city.
*(Focus: The job was completed before moving.)*
- She was tired because she had worked all night.
*(Focus: Completion of work caused tiredness.)*
---
2. "I had been working" (Past Perfect Continuous)
- Focuses on the **ongoing nature** or **duration** of an action before a specific point in the past.
- Often emphasizes the **effects** or **results** of the action at that point.
Examples:
- I had been working for three hours before I took a break.
*(Focus: The action was ongoing for a specific duration leading up to the break.)*
- She was tired because she had been working all night.
*(Focus: The continuous effort caused tiredness.)*
I hope that helps!
Please check my sentence
Shalley had never played golf in her life, but she realised she was very good at it.
Your sentence is grammatically correct and clear.
So in the first example means that I had maybe a short time in the field of sales maybe I'm not now still working in sales
And the second example means I'm still working in sales let me know teacher if I'm correct please thank you
Hi the PPS emphasises the completion of an action and the PPC emphasises a continuing action and the focus is on the duration of the action. I hope that helps.
Hii, thank you for the lesson
I'm confused if these sentences below mean the same thing and are possiblee :
1. I have been getting better at playing football since 2020
2. I have got better at playing football since 2020
Do those mean the same thing ?
Are both of the sentences possible ?
Are there any differences ?
Thank you.
Hi Omar,
In the first sentence you are using the present perfect continuous, an action which started at a time in the past and is still continuing up until now... you are still improving and you are focussing and emphasising the action of getting better. Whereas if you use the present perfect simple with action verbs, you are emphasising the completion of an event in the recent past. I hope that helps.
had worked :finished and over
had been working :still happened till now
Not exactly! Let’s clarify the differences between "had worked" and "had been working" in terms of meaning and usage:
1. Had Worked (Past Perfect)
"Had worked" is used to show that an action was completed before another past event.
It indicates that the action is finished and over by the time another action occurred.
Example:
She had worked at the company for 10 years before she retired.
Here, her working at the company was completed before she retired, so it’s a finished action in the past.
2. Had Been Working (Past Perfect Continuous)
"Had been working" is used to emphasize the duration or ongoing nature of an action up until a specific point in the past.
It doesn’t mean the action continued up until now; instead, it shows that the action was happening continuously until a certain time in the past.
Example:
She had been working at the company for 10 years when the company closed down.
This implies she was still working there continuously until the company closed (but not beyond that point).
Key Difference:
"Had worked" gives a sense of completion before another past event.
"Had been working" emphasizes the ongoing nature of the action before the other past event, often suggesting that it continued right up until that event happened.
Let me know if you’d like more examples to see the difference! 😊
Hello!
I heard that there is no difference between using the verb work in these two tenses.
So my answer is both are coorect..
Am I correct?😊
Hi, Generally, I had worked represents a finished or permanent event whereas had been working represents a continuing or temporary event. I hope that helps!
@@oxfordenglishnow Thanks a lot for your answer!
So, does it mean past perfect continuoes similar with past continuous in the example
The plumber had been installing the pipe when the accident happened.
So we can also say
The plumber was installing the pipe when the accident happened
What the different then??
Hi, yes you can say that too. If you use the ppc you are emphasising that one action happened over a period of time BEFORE another. If you use the pc you are saying the action was interrupted by the second. I hope that helps!
Thank a lot
My pleasure!
Thank you so muchhhh🤗🤗🤗
You're welcome 😊
Thanks
My pleasure!
I had worked in sales is a past perfect and i had been working is past perfect continuous
exactly.
ma'am, first one is right
☺
The PPS indicates a completion of an action while the PPC conveys a continuing action or something that is incomplete and focusses on the duration of the action.
Hi teacher 😊😊😊
Hello 😊
Thank you you very much
You are welcome
Sorry, can u give me some examples of the permanent use of past perfect simple? Im not really understand of this permanent use.
The **past perfect simple** is used to describe an action that was completed **before** another action or point in the past. However, there isn’t really a concept of **"permanent use"** in the past perfect. If you encountered the phrase "permanent use," it might be a misunderstanding, as the past perfect focuses on past actions in relation to other past actions.
Let me explain more clearly with examples:
### Uses of Past Perfect Simple:
1. **Completed action before another past action:**
- **Example:** "By the time she arrived, they **had already eaten**."
- Here, the action of "eating" was fully completed before she arrived.
2. **Completed action before a specific time in the past:**
- **Example:** "He **had finished** the report by 5 PM."
- The action of "finishing" was completed before 5 PM (a specific point in the past).
3. **For clarification in a sequence of events:**
- **Example:** "I **had never seen** such a beautiful sunset before I visited Hawaii."
- The action of "never seeing a sunset" was true up until the point when I visited Hawaii.
### Possible Misinterpretation of "Permanent Use":
If by **"permanent use"** you mean **a lasting state or condition in the past**, the past perfect can sometimes indicate that something remained true for an extended period before another event occurred. However, it doesn't imply something permanent into the present, just that it was true **before** another event or point in the past.
For example:
- **Example:** "He **had lived** in that house for 20 years before he moved."
- The past perfect ("had lived") indicates that he had lived there for a long period before the past action of moving.
### Key Points to Understand:
- The past perfect tense is used when you're talking about two actions in the past and want to emphasize that one happened **before** the other.
- There’s no sense of something being "permanent" in the past perfect tense. It just shows completion before another past moment.
Does this help clarify the concept for you?
@@oxfordenglishnow Sorry im not clear in permanent arrangement (only this) of PPS. Can u teach me about this use?
@@oxfordenglishnowSo idk why u used PPS here: He had always lived with his parents. U said that is a permanent arrangement and im not clear.
If is possibille can u give me some example like this type of use?
I had been working in sales before i graduated? Is this true or false
Great sentence! Well done!
My Madam ,
Could you please tell me are these
Sentences grammatically correct?
If I say that ,I'm gald to see you in the poster, pictures, banner, flex ,holdings which preposition do I have to use ?
Which do I have to use ?
1)I'm gald to see your picture in the banner. Or on the banner?
2)I'm gald to see you in the banner. Or on the banner?
Hi Mohamed, we would say, I'm glad to see you in the poster.
in the poster (or photo) - Is she in the poster?
on the poster (or photo) - Don't place anything on the poster as it will ruin the poster.
A banner is a long strip of cloth bearing a slogan or design, carried in a demonstration or procession or hung in a public place.When it is displayed in a public place it becomes a sign as well.
While we would say, "What's the name on that animal in the photo," it also sounds natural to say "What's the name of that animal (pictured) on the sign?"
Admittedly a confusing issue.
@@oxfordenglishnow
Thank you so much your help.
Much appreciate your help madam
Thank you!!!! 😃
My pleasure!
The plumbers had been doing this for 2 hours before they got an Idea, is that correct? And also
The plumbers had did this before so they knew everything?
Hi, the first sentence is correct. In the second one it should be, The plumbers had DONE this before so they knew everything. I hope this helps!
Very good!
Thanks!
astounding, astonishing, breathtaking, sensational, remarkable, spectacular, stupendous, staggering, stunning; phenomenal, prodigious, miraculous, extraordinary, incredible, unbelievable; literary wondrous, splendid, wonderful, magnificent, superb, glorious, sublime, lovely, delightful, beautiful, excellent, amazing, awesome. ❤❤❤
Wow, thank you!
'I was very tired when i got home . i had been working hard all day' - i do not realy undestand why we use PPC if it is finished action in past , why is it not 'i had worked ?'
In the sentence "I was very tired when I got home. I had been working hard all day," the past perfect continuous (PPC) tense "had been working" is used to emphasize the duration of the action leading up to a specific point in the past.
While both "I had worked" and "I had been working" are grammatically correct, they convey different nuances:
Past Perfect (I had worked):
This would imply a completed action. If you say, "I had worked hard all day," it suggests that you had finished working hard before feeling tired when you got home.
Past Perfect Continuous (I had been working):
This emphasizes the ongoing nature of the action. "I had been working hard all day" implies that you were engaged in continuous, ongoing work up to the point when you got home. It provides a sense of the duration and effort put into the activity.
In your context, the past perfect continuous is used to highlight the continuous and prolonged nature of the hard work throughout the day, contributing to your tiredness when you arrived home. Both options are grammatically correct, but the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Keep it up!!
Thank you Miss Alice !
🎉🎉🎉🎉 thanks
You’re welcome 😊
My teacher said opposit of your sentances what do you am I should change my teacher😂
What did your teacher say?
B
yes, PPC means that it is a continuing action/ incomplete and the focus is on the duration. Well done!
Miss, the title is wrong!!
Hi m-r, thank you so much. I have corrected it. Silly mistake! Thanks
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you!
❤
❤️
But urdu mein pehchan kya hai dono mein tha thi hi ata hai
Welcome to my channel!
I dont understand
Maybe watch the lesson again.
Here after a long time. Could you please explain
He died / had died before I was born.
What should i use?
Also,
He died/had died before my birth.
What should i use?
Hi Akshat, you could use both. The past perfect simple is used to sequence events in the past to show which event happened first. The past simple often suggests a stronger connection between the time of the two events. In spoken English, it is common to use only the simple past and not the past perfect. I hope that helps!
I forgot😢🎉
Welcome to my channel!
I think the answer is: "I had worked in sales before I graduated" Thank you.
Hi Jean, Both sentences are correct. I wanted you to understand the difference between them and when you use them. Watch the lesson again and you will understand the difference. I hope that helps.
Well I have an exam tomorrow and trust me your videos explains things so clearly 🤍✨
keep going
Thank you again and I’m sure bcz of you I’m gonna do well
Thank you so much!
I didn't get what is past perfect tense before i found your video I've really understood well Thanks for made this video 🧿😊❤️🫶
Glad it helped!
I've been watching your lessons and generally like it as you explain things clearly. For this one, I have a comment/ suggestion when illustrating the difference between PPS and PPC. The example of PPS "I had work in sales BEFORE I graduated" is fine. But for PPC, I think using "when" is more appropriate than "after" as in "I had been working in sales WHEN I graduated". This clearly indicates the action (work) was still continuing WHEN (up until the day) I graduated. It sounds more "logical" to me.
By using "when" with PPC, you clearly convey that the action of working in sales was still happening at the time of graduation, making the distinction between the two tenses more apparent. Your suggestion indeed makes the examples more logical and clear for illustrating the difference. Thank you.