2.10. Put the verbs in brackets into the required tense form:

1. He hardly (to reach) the door of his office when he (to encounter) two young men.

2. He scarcely (to say) the first words when she (to interrupt) him.

3. She scarcely (to take) a few steps along the street, when three men (to appear) from around the corner.

4. Hardly he (to ask) his questions when she (to answer) them.

5. No sooner the curtains (to fall) than he (to rise) to go.

6. No sooner the robber (to enter) the bank than he (to hear) the police running.

7. Hardly she (to occupy) the post of a manager in the firm when she (to decide) to give up this job.

8. Scarcely the (to buy) the tickets to go to Rome to participate in the scientific conference when something serious (to happen).

9. She scarcely (to agree) to make a report when she (to change) his decision.

10. No sooner the judge (to pass) the verdict than the jury (to ask) to think it over again.

2.11. Complete the sentences. Supply the missing parts.

1. Hardly had the day broken when …..

2. No sooner had the singer appeared on the stage than …..

3. Scarcely had he opened the door when …..

4. Hardly had the snow covered the ground when …..

5. ..... when he realized that he had left his wallet at home.

6. ….. than they rushed out of the room.

7. ….. when she cried.

8. ….. than the child went to sleep.

9. ….. when the train arrived.

10. ….. than he asked another question.

2.12. Complete the following sentences. Use either the Past Perfect or Past Indefinite.

1. After he had seen his sister, he .....

2. Before they reached the house, they .....

3. As soon as he had bought the tickets, he .....

4. Hardly had he entered the room when he .....

5. After he had arrived in London, he .....

6. Scarcely had he walked home when he .....

7. She left the office as soon as she .....

8. We met after he .....

9. Before he turned round, they .....

10. No sooner had they become friends than they .....

2.13. Fill in with the Past Perfect.

When I entered the house, something smelt awful. Someone (1) had burnt (to burn) the meal. I (2) (to visit) the house once before and (3) (to meet) the family but I didn't know what (4) (to happen) since then. The house was a mess. The children (5) (to leave) their toys all over the floor. Someone (6) (to leave) all the windows open. All the curtains (7) (to get) wet and dirty. I asked the children where their parents were. They told me that their mother (8) (to be) in hospital for the past two weeks. Their father (9) (to be) with them since then. Obviously he (10) (to do) his best, but he couldn't do any better since he worked all morning long and had to leave them always alone.

2.14. Complete the sentences. Mind the use of the Past Perfect.

1. My father was 40 and he (to be) a widower for 15 years.

2. Hardly ... we (to take) our seats when he (to come over).

3. Why were you so angry when I saw you yesterday? – Oh, I (just/ to have) a big argument with my parents.

4. He was very nervous when he first drove in Britain because he (not to drive) on the left before.

5. When I heard his voice on the phone, I knew that I (to speak) to him before. Then I remembered I (already/ to meet) him.

6. When I found my wallet, I discovered that someone (to take) the credit cards out of it.

7. The girl’s hair was wet because she (just/to swim) in the sea.

8. They weren’t eating when I went to see them. They (just/to finish) dinner.

9. The house was very quiet when I got home. Everybody (to go) to bed.

10. Yesterday at a restaurant I saw Pam Donnelly, an old friend of mine. I (not to see) him for years. He (to lose) at least 15 pounds.

Oral Activity

Not all students of English are hardworking. What do you think the teacher and students actually said in this conversation? Use the Present Perfect or Past Perfect.

Teacher:	Right, I'll collect your homework now.
Student:	I (to leave) it at home, sir.
T:	And you?
S:	I (to forget) to take my book home, sir.
T:	Now get out your books and do it now. What is it, Nick?
S:	Yesterday when I came home I found out that I (to lose) my book.
T:	Well, share it with Tom then. Where is your pen, Tom?
S:	I can't find it, sir. I think somebody (to steal) it.
T:	Use a pencil, then.
S:	My friend reminded me last week that I (to lend) it to somebody.
T:	Now, Jack, what's your answer to the first question?
S:	I can't read it, sir. I (to break) my glasses.
T:	Has anyone seen Ann today?
S:	Yes, sir. She said she (to leave) her homework on the kitchen table. She (to go) home to get it.

Written Activity

Write sentences to show that one action happened after another one in the past.

Model: 9.35 – I arrive at the café. The café closes at 9.30.

When I arrived at the café, it had already closed.

1. 9.00 – he telephones Ann's house. Ann goes to work at 8.45.

2. 12.00 – we reach the airport. The plane takes off at 11.50.

3. 10.30 – they get to the meeting. The meeting begins at 9.30.

4. 7 p.m. – I switch on TV. The program finishes at 6.55.

5. I met Miss Davis. She finds out my name.

6. 8.02 – we arrive at the station. The train goes at 8.00.

7. We come to Bristol. Mr Smith lives there for 10 years.

8. I arrive at the reception. The person I want to see goes home.