Answers to exercise: Using the Past Perfect

1. I had never climbed a real mountain until I went to the Alps.
OR: I never climbed a real mountain until I went to the Alps.

2. I saw a great book, but I didn’t buy it, because I had lost my wallet.

3. John knew Prague very well because he had worked in the city several times.
OR: John knew Prague very well because he worked in the city several times.

4. Had Sarah ever studied French before she moved to Paris?
OR: Did Sarah ever study French before she moved to Paris?

5. She only understood the film because she had already read the book.

6. Simon had been to the theatre before, but he had never seen an opera before last night.

7. The hotel was very busy, but we were able to get a double room because we had booked in advance.
OR: The hotel was very busy, but we were able to get a double room because we booked in advance.

8. A: Had you visited Japan before your trip to Kyushu?
B: Yes, I had been to Osaka.
OR:
A: Did you visit Japan before your trip to Kyushu?
B: Yes, I went to Osaka.