The past of the past in Spanish
In Spanish we can talk about a past action that happened before another past action using El Pretérito Pluscuamperfecto. This can be referred to as "the past of the past".
Have a look and listen to these examples:
When both actions are expressed in the same sentence, there is a connective word that links the actions (cuando, antes de...).
But sometimes the two actions are expressed in two different sentences, and it is understood by the context which action took place first. For example:
Julian tuvo una entrevista de trabajo muy exitosa. Se había preparado bien porque era una gran oportunidad para él.
Despite not being connected by any word, it is understood which action took place first and which after. In this case Julian prepared for it first, and then he had the interview.
See also:
- Conjugate regular -ar, -er, and -ir verbs in the pluperfect tense in Spanish (El Pluscuamperfecto de Indicativo)
- Conjugate hacer, escribir, ver, decir, poner in the pluperfect tense in Spanish (El Pluscuamperfecto)
Want to make sure your Spanish sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Braimap today »
