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Past perfect tense

Keep in mind that while past perfect may be accurate, it is sparingly used in casual English speech.

When it applies to a series of events, use it only when the intent is clear and it makes a functional difference in the sentence. Generally only to be used in a series of events to illustrate the order in which they happen.

- "If I had woken up earlier this morning, I would have caught her."
- "Had she caused trouble in other homes before she struck ours?"