Past perfect simple:I had seenPast simple:I saw
The past perfect simple is used to sequence events in the past to show which event happened first.
| Past simple + past simple: the music started at the same time as the curtains opened. |
| Past perfect simple + past simple: the music started and then the curtains opened. |
The past simple often suggests a stronger connection between the time of the two events.
| Past simple + past simple: this sentence shows that as she came through the door, everyone immediately shouted‘Surprise!’. |
| Past perfect simple + past simple: this sentence emphasises that she had finished reading the cards before she made her speech. |
See also:
Past perfect simple (I had worked)
Past simple (I worked)