The children were wet because they (play) football in the rain.
had been playing
When I got home, the children already (go) to bed.
had gone
We were very hungry because we (not / eat).
hadn't eaten
I had to have a break. I (drive) so long
had been driving
We finally arrived at the hotel. It (be) a long journey and we were very tired.
had been
They got to the beach after they (walk) for hours.
had been walking
He couldn’t believe his eyes! His father (buy) him a new laptop as a birthday gift.
had bought
She answered all of the questions in the exam because she (study) very well.
had studied/had been studying
She was exhausted because she (work) since eight o'clock that morning.
had been working
His clothes were dirty because he (work) in the garden.
had been working
I needed a change. I (live) in New York for a long time.
had been living
We ___ (be) out long when it started to rain.
hadn’t been
I was so frustrated. I (write) my story for 2 weeks when I lost my notebook.
had been writing
The doctor asked me how long I (have) the symptoms.
had had
He asked me to give his book back but I (lose) it.
had lost
It was a relief to find the documents. I (look) for them all afternoon.
had been looking
The roads were blocked in the morning. It (snow) all night.
had been snowing
Adam and Natalie (know) each other for years when they started dating.
had known
Peter was Sally's best friend. She (know) him all her life.
had known
I was delighted when I found my keys. I (look) for them for hours.
had been looking