The document discusses the Spanish past anterior tense, which corresponds to the English "I had done something" construction. It notes that this tense implies an action further in the past than another action. It can replace the preterite or pluperfect tenses but only in formal, literary usage. The document provides an example sentence and explains the tense can only be used in writing when time is clearly referenced. It also covers the formation of the past anterior tense using the preterite form of haber plus the past participle, and notes the irregular verbs match those of the perfect tense.

1. Mammoth/Monster Lot of
Spanish Conjugations
Past Anterior Tense

2. Usage
Corresponds best to English:
“I had done something” - implied is further back in the past than another
action. Can replace the Pluperfect/Preterite BUT ONLY IN FORMAL
LITERARY USAGE.
e.g. Apenas hube llegado, cuando el telefono sonó
I had scarcely arrived when the phone rang.
Note – This can only be used in writing, and when “time” is clearly referenced,
e.g. there is a time word like “apenas” or “cuando” in the sentence. You
aren't likely to use this, but it is important that you can recognize it.

3. Usage
Corresponds best to English:
“I had done something” - implied is further back in the past than another
action. Can replace the Pluperfect/Preterite BUT ONLY IN FORMAL
LITERARY USAGE.
e.g. Apenas hube llegado, cuando el telefono sonó
I had scarcely arrived when the phone rang.
Note – This can only be used in writing, and when “time” is clearly referenced,
e.g. there is a time word like “apenas” or “cuando” in the sentence. You
aren't likely to use this, but it is important that you can recognize it.

4. Formation
Use the PRETERITE form of haber + past
participle of the verb!
Past participle for ar verbs: -ado
Past participle for er/ir verbs: - ido
hube hablado hubimos viajado
hubiste comido hubisteis trabajado
hubo vivido hubieron salido

5. Irregulars
Bad news: More than 3.
Good news: If you already know the Perfect,
then you know all the Past Anterior irregulars
as they use the same past participle. So
practice drilling. Now!

6. Irregulars
Bad news: More than 3.
Good news: If you already know the Perfect,
then you know all the Past Anterior irregulars
as they use the same past participle. So
practice drilling. Now!