1 	past perfect to show something happened before 
the main time of narration such as background 
information or an explanation 	 	
2 	past perfect used to report a past statement 	 	
3 	past perfect after 'wish' to express a regret about the past  	 	
4 	past perfect used in a past conditional structure 	 	
5 	other structures 	 	

  
  
I knew I'd seen his face somewhere before. 
  
We didn't stay up to watch the film as we'd already seen it. 
  
I wish I hadn't eaten so much. 
  
They said they'd seen the film before. 
  
The main building was opened in 1970 and the annex was built a few years later. 
  
I was filthy as I'd been fixing my car. 
  
When Tim got there we started to work. 
  
When Tim got there, we'd nearly finished the cleaning up.  
  
I was coming back from London where I'd been visiting friends 
  
If you got up earlier, you wouldn't have to rush in the morning. 
  
I wish you'd told me before. 
  
He told me he'd tried to call you three times 
  
If I'd known it was your birthday, I'd have bought you a present 
  
I could see straight away that he'd been drinking. 
  
I didn't call you becuase I'd already sent you an email. 
  
I called him before I arrived.  
  
I wish I had more money.