First, say which action happened first, then join the sentences using

First, say which action happened first, then join the sentences using the words in brackets, as in the example.

1 He saved a lot of money. Then, he bought a car. (when)

saved a lot of money: happened first

When he had saved a lot of money, he bought a car.

2 She hung out the washing. Then, it began to rain. (after)

3 Fiona tidied the house. Then, the children arrived home. (by the time)

4 The guests left. Then, she started cleaning. (when)

5 The girls put on their uniforms. Then, they went to school. (before)

6 The meeting started. Then, the lights went out. (already when)

Put the verbs in brackets into the past perfect or the past perfect continuous.

1 A: Did you do anything last night?

B: I went to the gym and I ...had just arrived... (just/ arrive) home when Michael called me. He said he (try) to call me for ten minutes before I finally answered the phone.

2 A: Did you catch any fish on your fishing trip today?

B: Yes. I (sit) in the boat for two hours when I caught a huge fish.

3 A: Did you enjoy the open-air concert yesterday?

B: The music was good, but the weather was terrible. The concert (just/start) when suddenly, it began to rain. The musicians (only/play) for ten minutes.

A: What a shame!

4 A: Was the house tidy when you got home?

B: Yes, the children (dust) the furniture and they (put away) all of their toys.

5 A: Why were you so upset this morning?



B: Well, I (clean) the house for hours when the children came in with muddy shoes.

6 A: Why are you so late for work this morning?

B: Im sorry. I (wait) for the train for over an hour before it eventually arrived.