Complete this sentence in three different ways using the three tenses in the Learn this! box. Use the verb learn. How does the meaning change?

1. When Tom left school, he learned to drive. (Past simple)

This sentence implies that after Tom left school, he learned how to drive. The action of learning to drive happened in the past and is now complete.

2. When Tom left school, he was learning to drive. (Past continuous)

This sentence suggests that at the time Tom left school, he was in the process of learning how to drive. The action of learning to drive was ongoing and in progress at that time.

3. When Tom left school, he had learned to drive. (Past perfect)

This sentence indicates that by the time Tom left school, he had already learned how to drive. The action of learning to drive was completed before Tom left school and is placed before another past event.