Past simple vs. past perfect simple + continuous exercises

Exercises

Test 1. Complete the short dialogues with the past simple and past perfect simple or continuous tense.

Why did he call you?
He ___ me because he ___ . (just arrive)

He called me because he had just arrived.

When did your parents return from their holiday?

They after they for two weeks. (travel)

Why didn't Tobby eat anything?

He anything because he lunch at his grandma's place. (have)

What did Derek tell your girlfriend?

He her that he her before. (see)

The lake was hit by a fierce storm. When did they land?

They when the storm . (end)

Why was your husband so dirty?

He so dirty because he the hole in the rain. (dig)

I'm sorry. What did you forget?

I that I to call Jill in the morning. (want)

When did you marry Rob?

I Rob after we out together for three years. (go)

Paul, why were you so angry when I met you?

I so angry because Sue at me. (shout)

Why did you wake him up?

I him up because he for too long. (sleep)

Excuse me. What did you say?

I that Sarah for you for ages when you appeared at last. (wait)

Test 2. Complete the sentences with words from in the list. Use the past perfect simple or past perfect continuous.

rain - not work - go - dance - lose - not drive - sunbathe

Betty, why did you miss the plane?

Because I to a wrong departure lounge.

Why did your son fail the final exams?

Because he hard enough.

Why was your hair so wet when you came to school?

Because it all the way.

Why was Liz so red in the afternoon?

Because she on the beach all day.

Why did the teacher shout at you?

Because she her temper as usual.

Why was Ben so sleepy in the morning?

Because he with Fiona all night.

Why did you crash into the other car?

Because I carefully.

Past simple Past perfect simple Past perfect continuous

Exercises

Past simple
Past perfect simple
Past perfect continuous