We use the Past Perfect (had + V3) to show an action that happened before another past moment. The later past moment here is “Emma reached the gate,” which is in Simple Past. Therefore, the plane’s departure must be expressed with Past Perfect to mark it as earlier. Option A uses a bare past form without the auxiliary “had,” which fails to signal the earlier past clearly. Option C is Present Perfect and connects the past to the present; that logic does not fit a narrative sequence anchored in the past. Option D suggests an ongoing process (had been leaving), which is odd for a punctual event like a plane’s departure. The adverb “already” is a common signal with Past Perfect but can also appear with other tenses; what matters most is the timeline relation. In narratives, Past Perfect is especially helpful when readers might otherwise misread the order of events. This sentence mirrors Emma’s story, where the flight had left before she arrived. Using Past Perfect prevents ambiguity and keeps the chronology precise. In reports and stories, combine Past Perfect (earlier) with Simple Past (later) to structure the sequence. Always check: do you need to show that one past happened before another? If yes, Past Perfect is the right tool.

In a narrative about Emma’s missed flight, both “setting the alarm” and “turning it off” occurred before the later past moment when she woke up late. Past Perfect fits because these actions form the background to the later events. Option A uses Simple Past for both actions; this could work if the timeline is already clear, but it does not highlight the earlier-before-later relation. Option B mixes Present Perfect and Simple Past, which typically produces an inconsistent timeline in a fully past narrative. Option D incorrectly adds “now,” a present-time adverb, which clashes with any past-tense framework. With background chains, writers often use Past Perfect for both steps to keep the earlier layer consistent. However, overusing Past Perfect can feel heavy; once the sequence is clear, you can return to Simple Past. The key is whether the reader needs help understanding what happened first. Because Emma’s case hinges on earlier mistakes causing later consequences, Past Perfect is ideal. Use it to set conditions that explain outcomes. Then switch back to Simple Past for the main storyline.

The Past Perfect Continuous (had been + V-ing) expresses a situation that started earlier and continued up to a later past reference. Here, the later reference is “when she woke up.” Option D shows duration and continuity, matching Emma’s story precisely. Option A uses Simple Past and loses the sense of an ongoing wait leading up to her waking. Option B uses Present Perfect Continuous with a past-time anchor, which creates a tense clash. Option C mixes Past Perfect with a present-time subordinate clause (“she wakes up”), causing inconsistency. Use the continuous form when “how long” or “since when” is central to meaning. This form is common for queues, delays, and any background action that was in progress before another event. It’s particularly helpful when you want readers to feel the ongoing state that explains an outcome. In Emma’s case, the taxi had been waiting, which underscores the accumulated delay. That build-up makes the later failure (missing the flight) more believable. Always align both clauses in the past to keep the timeline clean.

The 3rd Conditional imagines a different outcome in the past: If + Past Perfect … would have + V3. Option A follows that exact structure, matching Emma’s hypothetical. Option B is a 2nd Conditional pattern and suggests a present-time unreal situation, which is not intended here. Option C uses a 1st Conditional pattern for real future possibilities, which again does not fit a completed past scenario. Option D combines Past Perfect Continuous with a 2nd Conditional result, which is mismatched and awkward. In regrets and missed opportunities, the Past Perfect in the if-clause marks the earlier, unrealized condition. The result clause shows the unreal past outcome with “would have + past participle.” This pattern also helps exam takers clearly signal counterfactual reasoning. It is precise and unambiguous, which exam markers value. Linking back to Emma’s case, a slightly earlier arrival would have changed the result. Using the correct tense structure communicates that the opportunity is now closed. This clarity is central to B2 writing and speaking.

In reported speech, we often backshift to keep the sequence clear when the reported action happened before the reporting time. “She said she had booked the ticket” indicates booking occurred earlier than the act of saying. Option A (“booked”) can be acceptable in some contexts, but it may blur the earlier-than-past relationship in a narrative where timing matters. Option C is Present Perfect and suggests a present relevance that does not match a past narrative. Option D is continuous and would emphasize an ongoing process, which is strange for a completed booking. The Past Perfect in reported speech neatly marks the prior action. This helps readers follow cause and effect—Emma’s earlier booking contrasts with her later failure to catch the flight. In exams, clarity of sequence earns marks for cohesion. Use Past Perfect for the earlier layer and then return to Simple Past. This disciplined timeline control is a hallmark of strong B2 writing. Always ask whether there is a past-before-past relationship that needs signposting.

With by the time, the clause that marks the later reference point typically uses Simple Past, and the earlier event uses Past Perfect. Option D follows this pairing: “arrived” (later past) and “had already left” (earlier past). The adverb “already” is correctly placed between “had” and the past participle “left,” which is the standard slot in Past Perfect. Option A misplaces the adverb after the main verb “left” and before the auxiliary “had,” which sounds awkward and is not the preferred structure. Option B mixes a present-time arrival (“arrives”) with a Past Perfect main clause; this creates an inconsistent timeline. Option C front-loads Past Perfect for the arrival, then uses Simple Past for the earlier departure, reversing the logic and adding an informal “already” at the end. In narratives, consistency matters: later past = Simple Past; earlier past = Past Perfect. Adverb placement strengthens meaning without disturbing the structure. Examiners value clarity of sequence and clean auxiliary placement. Remember: had + adverb + V3 is the most natural and precise pattern in formal writing.

Past Perfect is primarily used to show an earlier past relative to a later past reference. Option B presents a single, time-stamped past event; there is no competing action that needs to be positioned earlier, so Simple Past is sufficient. In Option A, there are two actions and a clear earlier/later relationship; Past Perfect for “had left” highlights that the departure preceded Emma’s arrival. Option C uses “before,” which invites an earlier event; Past Perfect properly marks that earlier action. Option D shows duration leading up to a later past event, so Past Perfect Continuous is appropriate. Using Past Perfect when it is unnecessary can make writing heavy. Skilled writers introduce Past Perfect to establish background and then return to Simple Past. This keeps the narrative crisp while preserving temporal precision. Reserve Past Perfect for moments when sequence could be misread without it. In exams, overuse may not earn extra credit; correct, strategic use does.

In reported speech, we often backshift the tense to show that the reported action happened before the act of reporting. Option C uses Past Perfect to mark that earlier booking relative to the later speech act. Option A is direct speech, which is fine in quotes, but the prompt asks for reported speech. Option B mixes a present-oriented perfect (“has booked”) with a definite past time (“weeks ago”), which is a tense-time mismatch. Option D is ungrammatical because “had been book” does not form a valid Past Perfect or Past Perfect Continuous. Past Perfect communicates completion prior to the reporting moment and keeps the timeline clean. This is especially useful when the earlier action explains a later consequence, as in Emma’s story. Examiners reward consistent backshifting when it clarifies sequence. After establishing the earlier layer, return to Simple Past for the main narrative line. This disciplined alternation increases cohesion and readability at B2 level.

To emphasize duration leading up to a later past reference, use the Past Perfect Continuous: had been + V-ing. Option A matches the structure and the meaning precisely: “woke up” (later past) and “had been waiting” (ongoing earlier state). Option B combines a present-time subordinate clause with Past Perfect in the main clause, which causes a tense clash. Option C uses Simple Past for an interval that clearly spans time prior to the later past, losing the sense of continuity. Option D mixes Past Perfect in the dependent clause with Present Perfect Continuous in the main clause, creating an incoherent timeline. In narratives like Emma’s, continuous aspect conveys build-up and pressure. This helps explain outcomes such as missing a flight. Choose the continuous form when “how long” matters more than mere completion. When only completion matters, prefer Past Perfect simple. Accurate aspect choice signals strong B2 control and improves narrative logic.

In Past Perfect, the auxiliary is had, so negatives and questions must use had, not did. Option C is a correct negative question: “Hadn’t she checked…?” Options A and B incorrectly use “didn’t … had,” which mixes auxiliaries from Simple Past and Past Perfect. Option D lacks the auxiliary entirely, resulting in an ungrammatical form. Keep the structure: Had + subject + V3? for questions and had not (hadn’t) + V3 for negatives. Short answers also keep had: “Yes, she had.” / “No, she hadn’t.” This precision is essential when verifying earlier conditions that explain later outcomes. Examiners look for accurate auxiliary handling as evidence of tense mastery. Misusing did suggests confusion between Simple Past and Past Perfect. Practice building questions and negatives until the auxiliary choice feels automatic.

Option A pairs the later discovery in Simple Past with the earlier cause in Past Perfect, which is the classic sequence. “Realised” is the later reference point; “had turned off” marks the earlier action that explains it. Option B reverses the aspect choice and weakens the logic because the “realising” happened after turning off the alarm. Option C mixes a present-tense main verb with a Past Perfect cause, which breaks the timeline. Option D is ungrammatical: “had been realised” would require a passive pattern and is not intended here. In narratives, keep later facts in Simple Past and move earlier causes into Past Perfect. That contrast prevents readers from misinterpreting order. It also mirrors how examiners expect temporal control at B2 level. Remember: choose Past Perfect only when you need “past-before-past,” not for every past idea. Once the background is set, return to Simple Past to keep the story flowing. This balance keeps your writing precise and readable.

The Past Perfect Continuous signals an activity that started earlier and continued up to a later past moment. Option D aligns perfectly: the later point is “when the taxi arrived”; the ongoing earlier activity is “had been checking.” Option A is malformed because “had checking” is not a valid structure; it needs “had been checking.” Option B uses the simple aspect “had checked,” which shows completion, not duration; it loses the sense of ongoing effort. Option C clashes tenses by combining a present-oriented perfect continuous with a past-time anchor. Use the continuous aspect when “how long” matters or when you want to show build-up. This choice often strengthens cause-and-effect explanations. In Emma’s case, long checking can explain later tiredness or confusion. Accurate aspect choice is a hallmark of B2 control. Decide: completion (Past Perfect) versus duration (Past Perfect Continuous). Choose the one that best supports your meaning.

In reported speech, use Past Perfect to show an action that happened before the reporting moment. Option B does exactly that: booking occurred weeks earlier than “said.” Option A can be acceptable in some contexts, but it risks blurring the earlier-than-past relation. Option C mismatches the present perfect with a finished past time (“weeks ago”), which is inaccurate. Option D is ungrammatical: “had been book” is not a valid form. Backshifting helps readers track cause and timing in investigations, reports, and stories. It’s especially helpful when you must justify a later outcome with earlier facts. In exams, consistent backshift earns cohesion and accuracy points. After you establish the earlier layer in Past Perfect, resume the main line in Simple Past. This keeps the temporal architecture stable and easy to follow. Use backshift as a clarity tool, not a decoration.

Past Perfect uses the auxiliary had, so the negative is “had not (hadn’t) + past participle.” Option C follows this exactly and clearly marks the earlier action as missing. Option A mixes the Simple Past auxiliary “did” with “had,” which is a common but serious error. Option B drops the auxiliary structure entirely, creating an ungrammatical pattern. Option D uses a be-auxiliary with a past participle, which is not the Past Perfect form. Accurate auxiliary choice signals that you understand how the tense is built. It also helps the reader instantly recognise the earlier-than-past relation. In narrative chains, a single mistaken auxiliary can confuse the timeline. Practice negatives and questions until the form is automatic. Keep “had” for Past Perfect and avoid importing “did.” This habit protects both grammar and coherence.

The Third Conditional describes an unreal past and its unreal result. Form: If + Past Perfect … would have + past participle. Option A matches this exactly and fits Emma’s missed-flight scenario. Option B uses a Simple Past if-clause with a perfect result, which mismatches time. Option C pairs Past Perfect with a present-result form, which is not a past counterfactual. Option D doubles the modal (“would have”) in the if-clause, which is incorrect. Use the Third Conditional to express regret or alternative outcomes in narratives and reports. It demonstrates precise temporal reasoning at B2 level. Keep the main clause perfect (“would have caught”) to anchor the result as unreal and closed. If you want a softer, speculative tone, you can switch to “might have” or “could have.” But the structure must remain consistent to stay grammatical and clear.

With before/after, we still need to signal which action was earlier. Past Perfect marks the earlier action, and Simple Past marks the later reference point. Option C follows this logic perfectly: “arrived” (later past) versus “had already left” (earlier past). Option A uses only Simple Past, which can work in informal storytelling, but it risks ambiguity in exams. Option B puts Past Perfect in both clauses; while possible in heavy backgrounding, it is unnecessary and clunky here. Option D uses Past Perfect for Emma’s arrival even though it is the later event; that reverses the chronology cue. In narratives, you can lead with either clause, but keep the aspect contrast intact. Adverbs like “already” fit naturally between had and the past participle. Always ask: which event must readers process as prior? Mark that one with Past Perfect for clarity. Then return to Simple Past to keep the main line moving smoothly.

When you summarise experience up to a specific past reference, Past Perfect is ideal. Option A uses “had never missed,” which situates the lifetime experience before “that day.” Option B uses Present Perfect, which links to the present, not to a past anchor; this clashes with “until that day.” Option C uses Simple Past with “yet,” which is stylistically odd and fails to pin the experience to a past point. Option D misuses “ever” in an affirmative statement where “never” is needed to express zero experience. The adverb “never” fits naturally between had and the past participle. This pattern is common in reports, biographies, and reflective narratives. It helps examiners instantly read your intended timeline. Remember the trio: Present Perfect → link to now; Past Perfect → link to a later past; Simple Past → single past fact. Choose the one that matches your time anchor. That choice drives both grammar accuracy and cohesion.

The clause “By the time the taxi arrived” sets a later past reference point. We therefore mark the earlier completed action with Past Perfect. “Had prepared” presents a finished result that existed before the taxi’s arrival. Option A suggests an action in progress, but the sentence needs completion before the later time. Option B is Simple Present and does not fit a past narrative frame. Option C is ungrammatical; the correct continuous form would be “had been preparing,” which emphasises duration rather than completion. Here, the emphasis is on readiness, so simple Past Perfect is best. This result-vs-duration decision is central to aspect choice at B2. Ask whether the state should be complete at the time of reference. If yes, use Past Perfect simple. If the ongoing nature matters, switch to Past Perfect Continuous instead.

Past Perfect questions invert the auxiliary had before the subject. Option B follows the pattern exactly and checks a prior condition relative to a later past action. Option A incorrectly mixes the Simple Past auxiliary “did” with Past Perfect material. Option C uses Present Perfect, which targets a now-link rather than a past anchor. Option D is a statement with rising intonation, not a proper inversion for formal writing. Use these questions to confirm background steps that could explain later outcomes. In narratives and reports, they establish cause-and-effect efficiently. Keep short answers consistent: “Yes, she had.” / “No, she hadn’t.” This auxiliary discipline demonstrates tense control at B2 level. It also prevents readers from misreading your timeline, especially in multi-step scenarios.

The Third Conditional expresses an unreal past and its hypothetical result. “Would have + V3” presents a certain hypothetical result, while “might have + V3” softens it to probability. Option A uses Past Perfect in the if-clause and a modal perfect in the main clause to show uncertainty. Option B mixes Past Perfect with a present-result form, which does not target a closed past scenario. Option C swaps clause tenses and also mismatches the time reference. Option D repeats the modal with “would have” inside the if-clause, which is ungrammatical in standard usage. Use “might have” or “could have” when you want to suggest a plausible but not guaranteed outcome. This subtlety is valuable in analysis, reports, and polite argumentation. It allows writers to acknowledge unknown factors. Keeping the structure consistent preserves grammatical accuracy and reader trust. The nuance sits in the main clause modal, not in the if-clause tense.

The phrase “by 6 a.m.” sets a time boundary that often triggers Past Perfect for what was completed before that point. In the missed-flight story, the departure is the earlier event, so “had already left” is ideal. Emma’s later arrival is a subsequent fact expressed in Simple Past. Option A is ungrammatical because “had arrive” lacks the past participle form “arrived.” Option C reverses aspect logic, using Simple Past for the earlier event and Past Perfect for the later one, which confuses sequence. Option D mixes Present Perfect (“has arrived”) with a finished past narrative, creating a tense clash. This pairing—earlier Past Perfect with later Simple Past—keeps timelines crisp for readers and examiners. The adverb “already” belongs between “had” and the past participle in formal writing. Reserve Past Perfect for moments when you must highlight “past before past.” Return to Simple Past once the background is clear to avoid heaviness. That rhythm improves readability and keeps cohesion tight at B2 level.

Past Perfect Continuous (had been + V-ing) marks an activity that began earlier and continued right up to a later past reference. The later point here is “when the taxi arrived.” Option D captures that continuity, which explains fatigue or distraction in the narrative. Option A uses Past Perfect simple, signaling completion rather than ongoing duration. Option B mismatches tenses, pairing Past Continuous with Past Perfect in a way that blurs the anchor time. Option C uses Present Perfect Continuous with a past-time anchor, creating a timeline clash. Choose continuous when the “how long” dimension matters to the outcome. This aspect choice strengthens cause-and-effect in reports and stories. It also shows examiners that you can control aspect for nuance, not just tense for sequence. After duration is established, return to Simple Past to move the plot forward efficiently.

In reported speech, we backshift to show that the reported action occurred before the act of reporting. “Had set” marks the earlier action clearly. Option B adds “now,” which conflicts with the past-time frame and produces an odd deictic mix. Option C uses Present Perfect with “the night before,” a closed past marker, which is inconsistent. Option D is ungrammatical because “had been set” would be passive and needs a different structure. Backshift is especially useful when multiple prior actions explain a later result, as in Emma’s case. It guides readers through the causal chain with minimal wording. Keep time markers consistent with your tense choices to avoid mixed signals. After reporting earlier actions, switch back to Simple Past for the main narrative. This alternation supports cohesive, exam-ready paragraphs.

Past Perfect uses the auxiliary had for questions and negatives. A negative question therefore inverts “had” and contracts “not” before the subject. Option C matches this pattern and politely checks a prior condition. Option A wrongly imports “did,” the Simple Past auxiliary, which breaks the Past Perfect structure. Option B splits auxiliaries in an ungrammatical order. Option D uses Present Perfect, which targets a now-link rather than a prior-to-past relation. In formal writing, prefer clear inversion over rising-intonation statements. Use short answers that keep the auxiliary: “Yes, she had.” / “No, she hadn’t.” This precision signals strong tense control and protects the timeline from ambiguity. Practise negatives and questions until the auxiliary choice is automatic.

The Third Conditional models unreal past situations and their hypothetical results. For a certain hypothetical outcome, use “would have + V3” in the main clause. Option B follows the standard template and fits Emma’s scenario perfectly. Option A uses “might catch,” which mixes a present-result form with a past if-clause and weakens the temporal match. Option C puts Simple Past in the if-clause and a perfect result in the main clause, creating a mismatch. Option D duplicates the modal “would have” inside the if-clause, which is ungrammatical in standard usage. Keep time references aligned across the two clauses to maintain coherence. You can soften certainty with “might have” or “could have” if needed, but the structure stays the same. This pattern is widely tested because it reveals both tense control and logical precision. Use it to show clear, counterfactual reasoning in essays and reports.

Stative verbs like know, believe, and want typically avoid continuous forms because they describe states, not activities. Option C uses Past Perfect simple to mark a prior state clearly relative to the later past reference (“before she arrived”). Option A uses Past Perfect Continuous (“had been knowing”), which sounds unnatural with a stative verb in standard usage. Option B uses Past Continuous (“was knowing”), which is also nonstandard with statives and fails to signal the “earlier-than-past” layer. Option D mixes Present Perfect with a closed past anchor, producing a tense-time clash. In exam writing, Past Perfect simple is the safest choice for prior states that influence later outcomes. Reserve the continuous aspect for dynamic, ongoing activities (e.g., “had been waiting”). This distinction helps you deliver precise meaning without awkward aspect choices. It also improves cohesion, as readers instantly recognise the timeline. When in doubt: state before a past point → had + V3; activity continuing to a past point → had been + V-ing.

Option A follows a textbook flashback pattern: establish the later scene in Simple Past, insert a short Past Perfect segment to explain prior causes, and return to Simple Past to continue the story. This architecture keeps momentum while signalling “earlier-than-past” information. Option B overloads Past Perfect (“had arrived” and “had called”) where Simple Past should carry the main line, creating heaviness and confusion. Option C mixes present narrative (“arrives/calls”) with Past Perfect, which breaks temporal consistency. Option D clashes tenses and also confuses sequence by placing “had called” before the arrival without a clear reason. For B2 writing, aim for a 1–3 sentence flashback, then quickly rejoin the main timeline. The reader stays oriented, and your cause–effect logic becomes transparent. Overusing Past Perfect reduces readability, so use it strategically. This balance is essential in incident reports, stories, and reflective essays. Think “anchor → flashback → anchor” to structure paragraphs cleanly.

Relative clauses are perfect places to store background details about earlier actions. Option D uses Past Perfect inside the clause to show that the booking preceded the missed flight. Option A uses Present Perfect with a closed past marker (“weeks ago”), which clashes with the time frame. Option B adds “now,” which is deictically inconsistent with a past narrative. Option C uses Past Perfect Continuous (“had been booking”), which implies an ongoing process rather than a completed result, and sounds odd here. By keeping the main clause in Simple Past and the relative clause in Past Perfect, you preserve rhythm and clarity. Examiners reward this compact, cohesive packaging of earlier information. It demonstrates both grammar control and discourse organisation. Use adverbs like “earlier” to strengthen the “prior to past” reading. Always align the aspect choice with your intended meaning: completion versus duration.

Modal perfects (would/should/could + have + V3) express judgement, hypothesis, or missed obligation about a past situation. Option B evaluates a past decision (“should have set”) and then uses a correct Third Conditional to show the hypothetical result. Option A uses “would have set” as if it were a fact, which is speculative and mismatched with the claimed certainty. Option C connects a possibility (“could have set”) to a factual consequence (“she had arrived at six”) without proper conditional structure. Option D is ungrammatical because it stacks the Past Perfect auxiliary with a modal (“had would have”). Keep facts in Past Perfect or Simple Past; use modal perfects to comment on them. This separation preserves meaning: facts vs evaluations. When expressing hypothetical outcomes, maintain If + Past Perfect → would/could/might have + V3. That stable pattern communicates logic and time with minimal effort. It’s a high-value skill in B2 essays and reports.

Past Perfect questions invert the auxiliary “had” before the subject and place adverbs like “already” between “had” and the past participle. Option A follows this pattern exactly and checks a prior action relative to a later past moment. Option B wrongly mixes “did” with Past Perfect material, a classic error that confuses tense formation. Option C misplaces the adverb (“checked already”), which is less natural in formal writing. Option D uses Present Perfect with a closed past anchor (“before she left”), creating a timeline mismatch. Keeping the adverb in the tight “had + adverb + V3” slot improves precision and flow. Short answers should mirror the auxiliary: “Yes, she had.” / “No, she hadn’t.” Mastering this micro-structure is a reliable way to show B2 control. It also prevents ambiguity in sequences where a tiny placement change can alter meaning. Always check auxiliary choice, inversion, and adverb position together for best results.

In narratives, the discovery or outcome typically sits on the later timeline, so we keep it in Simple Past. The underlying cause, which happened before that discovery, goes into Past Perfect to mark “past before past.” Option D follows this cause–effect architecture precisely: “realised” (later) and “had turned off” (earlier). Option A uses Simple Past for both, which may work in casual speech but risks ambiguity in exam contexts. Option B mixes present narrative with Past Perfect, creating a timeline clash that confuses readers. Option C pushes the later fact into Past Perfect, which wrongly suggests the realisation occurred before the cause. Past Perfect is a signalling device: use it where sequence might be misread without it. Once the earlier layer has been identified, return to Simple Past to keep the story moving. This rhythmic alternation prevents heaviness and improves readability. Examiners reward tight temporal logic expressed with minimal, accurate morphology. Always test your sentence by asking: which action is the anchor, and which one needs “had + V3” to step back?

The Past Perfect Continuous (had been + V-ing) highlights an activity that started earlier and was still relevant up to a later past moment. In Option A, “woke up” is the anchor in Simple Past and the ongoing wait is properly marked by “had been waiting.” Option B mixes a present-time subordinate clause with a past-time main clause, which is inconsistent. Option C downgrades the waiting to a simple, completed event, erasing the sense of continuity that the context demands. Option D collides Past Perfect with Present Perfect Continuous, crossing time frames in one sentence. In exam writing, show duration when it explains the later outcome (fatigue, delay, or urgency). Use Past Perfect simple for completed states and Past Perfect Continuous for ongoing processes. This choice is not cosmetic; it encodes different meanings. Durational background is especially effective when paired with “by the time,” “for,” and “since.” Keep both clauses anchored in the past to avoid deictic confusion. Readers then reconstruct the sequence without effort, which is exactly what markers want.

A relative clause is a compact place to store background details without overloading the main clause. Option C uses Past Perfect to mark the booking as prior to the missing, while the main clause stays in Simple Past for pace. Option A uses Present Perfect with “weeks ago,” which conflicts because “ago” fixes a closed past point. Option B adds “now,” a present deictic marker, which clashes with a past narrative. Option D chooses a continuous aspect (“had been booking”), implying an ongoing process rather than a completed result; this is semantically odd for “book a ticket.” The “main fact in Simple Past + earlier detail in Past Perfect” template is reliable in exam summaries and reports. It signals chronology without extra words and keeps sentences balanced. Use “earlier” or “previously” to reinforce the prior status when needed. Remember that aspect communicates meaning: result vs process. Select the aspect that reflects your message, not just the form that looks advanced.

Past Perfect questions invert the auxiliary “had” and keep the main verb as a past participle. With stative verbs like “know,” the simple (non-continuous) form is preferred because we are talking about a state, not an activity. Option B matches both requirements and neatly checks the earlier state relative to the later arrival. Option A wrongly mixes the Simple Past auxiliary “did” with the Past Perfect auxiliary “had,” producing an ungrammatical hybrid. Option C uses Present Perfect despite the closed past anchor (“before she arrived”), creating a deictic mismatch. Option D uses a continuous form with a stative verb, which sounds nonstandard in formal writing. In exams, accurate auxiliary choice is a quick win because it signals tense control immediately. Keep short answers consistent with the auxiliary: “Yes, she had.” / “No, she hadn’t.” This micro-precision prevents timeline noise and supports cohesive reasoning. Practising question formation with stative verbs will make your sequencing feel effortless.

The Third Conditional models an unreal past with an unreal, closed result. The if-clause uses Past Perfect to place the condition earlier than the past anchor, and the main clause uses “would have + V3” to express the hypothetical outcome. Option A follows this formula exactly and matches Emma’s missed-flight scenario. Option B uses a Simple Past if-clause with a perfect result, which mismatches the time frame. Option C mixes Past Perfect with a present-result form, suggesting a general truth rather than a closed hypothetical. Option D duplicates the modal “would have” inside the if-clause, which is not standard in formal English. When you want to lower certainty, swap “would have” for “might have” or “could have” while keeping the structure. This pattern is a staple of exam tasks because it tests both tense control and logical thinking. Use it to present balanced, reasoned alternatives in reports and reflective writing. Keep time anchors explicit to avoid any ambiguity about what could have happened and when. Precision in the if-clause drives clarity in the result clause.