Learn English Grammar: Past Perfect

by Sassy
(USA,,CA)

Please explain how to use the "had had" tense. Thank you




Hi Sassy,

Here is a simple explanation to help you understand when and how to use the past perfect "had had".

We use the past perfect when we are talking about the past and want to refer back to an earlier past time.


  • She had had too much to eat that evening and didn't want to have desert. (Her eating too much was at 8pm and her not wanting dessert was a t 9pm)

  • He had had a really bad day at work so he decided to go out for dinner.

  • By the time he was 34 he had had 30 different girlfriends.

  • He was fired before he had had a chance to explain the situation better.

    Had had expressions also work well with "if" clauses.


  • If had had the time to study, I would have past the exams.

  • If I had had the confidence to apply for the job, I would have gotten it.

    I hope that helps Sassy!

    Would you like an answer without waiting?

    You can answer all your grammar questions yourself and in the comfort of your own home?

    How? It is simple. Get a copy of
    Practical English Usage, by Michael Swan.

    I can honestly say that this grammar reference guide is the best I have ever used and I use it daily answering all of your grammar questions; including this question.

    Why wait for my answer? When the answer is just a page number away?

    Get this book now and start solving your grammar questions!

    Click on the image above to buy the book safely and quickly through Amazon.ca

    Have a wonderful day everyone!

    - Diana :)

    Visit the English Grammar section for more Grammar advice.

    Visit the Helping You Learn English Home Page

    • Click here to post comments

    Return to ask your grammar questions here..

    Still looking?  Search the site for exactly what you need using the site search box below.

    Happy exploring!

    Share this page:
    Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

    Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

    1. Click on the HTML link code below.
    2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

    Discover these Amazing ESL Materials!

    It's English Time! English Express! 5 Simple Steps to Better Writing! English Harmony 2.0! Pronunciation Power!
    Effortless English! Best Accent Training! Ola Zur! English Grammar Revolution! English Success

    Sign-up For The Learn English Newsletter

    Your E-mail Address
    Your First Name (optional)
    Then

    Don't worry — your e-mail address is totally secure.
    I promise to use it only to send you Learn English Newsletter.