Past Perfect vs Simple Past

Question

How do I choose the answer for these types of questions. I’ve noticed it’s usually simple last and have encountered maybe one example where it’s past perfect.

Answer 1

Here are examples using the verb "to be" that illustrate the difference between the simple past and the past perfect. Should you need additional help, I am here! Please feel free to contact me for a private tutoring session. Best wishes! Miss Mary

Simple Past

When to use: the action was completed in the past

How to use: I was, you/we/they were, he/she/it was

Examples:

I was sick last week.

They were snoring last night.

It was hot yesterday.

Past Perfect

When to use: the action was completed in the past before another action or before another time in the past

How to use: use “had been”

Examples:

I had been sick for a week before I went to the doctor’s office.

We had been asleep until the doorbell rang.