The past perfective can often be used instead of the present perfect without a significant change in meaning.

Ο Γιάννης είχε δουλέψει/ δούλεψε πολύ σκληρά για να γίνει επιθεωρητής.

Unlike English, the present perfect cannot be used when referring to a very recent past event, i.e. when there are adverbials such as μόλις, πριν λίγο, πριν δέκα λεπτά in the phrase.

Ο Γιάννης έφυγε από το γραφείο πριν δύο λεπτά.

The present perfect cannot be used when there is a specific time reference in the phrase: τον Αύγουστο, το πρωί, στις 2.00 etc

Ο Γιάννης κοιμήθηκε νωρίς χτες το βράδυ.

However, it can be combined with adverbials that show a period of time that started in the past and continues up to the moment of speaking: από τον Αύγουστο, από το πρωί, από τις 2.00 etc.

Ο Γιάννης είχε πέσει για ύπνο από τις 9.30.

You can also read: Clauses of Concession / Contrast

Are you looking for Greek Lessons/ courses in Manchester or online with a professional teacher? Click here: Modern Greek Language courses to learn more about our Greek lessons. You can choose either face to face lessons – if you live in Manchester- or online courses