1Which sentence describes a habitual action that happens regularly?
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Easy
A.She will drink tea later.
B.She is drinking tea now.
C.She drinks tea every morning.
D.She drank tea yesterday.
Correct Answer: She drinks tea every morning.
Explanation:
The Present Simple tense ('drinks') is used to describe habits, routines, and actions that happen regularly. The phrase 'every morning' indicates a habitual action.
Incorrect! Try again.
2Choose the correct verb form to complete the sentence: 'Look! It __.'
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Easy
A.rained
B.rains
C.will rain
D.is raining
Correct Answer: is raining
Explanation:
The word 'Look!' indicates that the action is happening at the moment of speaking. The Present Continuous tense ('is raining') is used for actions happening now.
Incorrect! Try again.
3Which sentence refers to a completed action in the past?
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Easy
A.I wrote a letter last night.
B.I am writing a letter.
C.I write letters often.
D.I am going to write a letter.
Correct Answer: I wrote a letter last night.
Explanation:
The Past Simple tense ('wrote') is used for actions that started and finished at a specific time in the past. The time marker 'last night' confirms this.
Incorrect! Try again.
4Select the correct option for a spontaneous decision: 'The phone is ringing. I __ it!'
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Easy
A.answered
B.am answering
C.will answer
D.answer
Correct Answer: will answer
Explanation:
The Future Simple tense with 'will' is used to express a spontaneous decision made at the moment of speaking.
Incorrect! Try again.
5They __ for their flight when the announcement was made.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Easy
A.have waited
B.wait
C.will wait
D.were waiting
Correct Answer: were waiting
Explanation:
The Past Continuous tense ('were waiting') is used to describe an ongoing action in the past that was interrupted by another action ('the announcement was made').
Incorrect! Try again.
6Which time marker is most commonly used with the Past Simple tense?
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Easy
A.yesterday
B.now
C.tomorrow
D.every day
Correct Answer: yesterday
Explanation:
'Yesterday' refers to a specific, completed time in the past, which is a key indicator for using the Past Simple tense.
Incorrect! Try again.
7I have __ my keys. I can't find them anywhere.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Easy
A.lose
B.lost
C.losing
D.will lose
Correct Answer: lost
Explanation:
The Present Perfect tense ('have lost') is used for a past action that has a result in the present. The result here is 'I can't find them'.
Incorrect! Try again.
8This time next week, we __ on a beach in Spain.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Easy
A.relaxed
B.relax
C.will be relaxing
D.are relaxing
Correct Answer: will be relaxing
Explanation:
The Future Continuous tense ('will be relaxing') is used to describe an action that will be in progress at a specific time in the future ('this time next week').
Incorrect! Try again.
9She __ in that house since she was a child.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Easy
A.has lived
B.is living
C.lived
D.will live
Correct Answer: has lived
Explanation:
The Present Perfect tense ('has lived') with 'since' is used to talk about an action that started in the past and continues up to the present.
Incorrect! Try again.
10What is the primary function of the Past Simple tense?
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Easy
A.To describe a plan for the future.
B.To describe an action happening now.
C.To describe a general truth.
D.To describe a finished action at a specific past time.
Correct Answer: To describe a finished action at a specific past time.
Explanation:
The Past Simple tense is used for actions that began and ended in the past, often with a specific time reference like 'yesterday', 'last year', or 'in 2010'.
Incorrect! Try again.
11Look at those dark clouds! It __ soon.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Easy
A.rained
B.rains
C.has rained
D.is going to rain
Correct Answer: is going to rain
Explanation:
We use 'be going to' for predictions based on present evidence. The dark clouds are the evidence that it will rain.
Incorrect! Try again.
12By the time the guests arrived, we __ dinner.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Easy
A.finished
B.will finish
C.are finishing
D.had finished
Correct Answer: had finished
Explanation:
The Past Perfect tense ('had finished') is used to show that one past action happened before another past action ('the guests arrived').
Incorrect! Try again.
13My flight __ at 7:00 AM tomorrow.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Easy
A.left
B.will be leaving
C.is leaving
D.leaves
Correct Answer: leaves
Explanation:
The Present Simple tense ('leaves') is used to talk about future events that are part of a fixed schedule or timetable, such as flights, trains, and classes.
Incorrect! Try again.
14Which tense connects the past to the present?
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Easy
A.Future Simple
B.Present Perfect
C.Past Simple
D.Present Continuous
Correct Answer: Present Perfect
Explanation:
The Present Perfect tense (e.g., 'I have eaten') describes a past event with a connection to the present moment, such as a recent action or an experience in one's life.
Incorrect! Try again.
15He __ tennis every weekend.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Easy
A.will play
B.plays
C.played
D.is playing
Correct Answer: plays
Explanation:
The Present Simple tense ('plays') is the correct choice for describing a routine or hobby that happens regularly ('every weekend').
Incorrect! Try again.
16I __ you with your project, I promise.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Easy
A.helped
B.am helping
C.will help
D.help
Correct Answer: will help
Explanation:
The Future Simple tense with 'will' is used to make promises, offers, and voluntary actions.
Incorrect! Try again.
17Last year, my family and I __ to Italy for our vacation.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Easy
A.go
B.are going
C.went
D.have gone
Correct Answer: went
Explanation:
The phrase 'Last year' indicates a specific, finished time in the past, so the Past Simple tense ('went') is required.
Incorrect! Try again.
18At this moment, thousands of people __ the news online.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Easy
A.are reading
B.have read
C.read
D.will read
Correct Answer: are reading
Explanation:
The phrase 'At this moment' signals an action happening right now, which requires the Present Continuous tense ('are reading').
Incorrect! Try again.
19By the end of this year, she __ her degree.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Easy
A.will have completed
B.completed
C.is completing
D.completes
Correct Answer: will have completed
Explanation:
The Future Perfect tense ('will have completed') is used to describe an action that will be finished before a specific point in the future ('by the end of this year').
Incorrect! Try again.
20While I was studying, my brother __ video games.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Easy
A.was playing
B.had played
C.plays
D.played
Correct Answer: was playing
Explanation:
The Past Continuous tense ('was playing') is used here to describe two actions that were happening at the same time in the past.
Incorrect! Try again.
21By the time we __ to the station, the train ___. Which option correctly sequences the two past events?
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Medium
A.got / had already left
B.were getting / had left
C.had gotten / already left
D.got / already left
Correct Answer: got / had already left
Explanation:
The Past Perfect (had already left) is used for the action that happened first. The Simple Past (got) is used for the action that happened second. The train's departure occurred before their arrival.
Incorrect! Try again.
22A: "Can I call you at 9 PM tomorrow?"
B: "I'm afraid not. This time tomorrow, I ___ on a plane to Paris."
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Medium
A.will fly
B.am going to fly
C.fly
D.will be flying
Correct Answer: will be flying
Explanation:
The Future Continuous (will be flying) is used to describe an action that will be in progress at a specific time in the future. The phrase 'This time tomorrow' indicates a precise future moment.
Incorrect! Try again.
23A: "Your eyes are so red! What's wrong?"
B: "It's nothing serious. I ___ for my exams all night, so I'm just tired."
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Medium
A.have been studying
B.studied
C.had been studying
D.have studied
Correct Answer: have been studying
Explanation:
The Present Perfect Continuous (have been studying) is used to emphasize the duration of a recent past activity that has a clear result in the present (being tired, having red eyes).
Incorrect! Try again.
24Which sentence correctly uses tenses to link a past event with a present consequence?
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Medium
A.I can't find my keys. I think I have lost them.
B.I have visited Paris in 2010.
C.Leonardo da Vinci has painted the Mona Lisa.
D.She has written a book when she was 25.
Correct Answer: I can't find my keys. I think I have lost them.
Explanation:
The Present Perfect (have lost) is used because the past action (losing the keys) has a direct and relevant result in the present (not being able to find them now). The other options incorrectly use the present perfect for finished actions with specific past time markers or for people who are no longer alive.
Incorrect! Try again.
25"What are your plans for the weekend?"
- "I __ my grandparents. I've already bought the train tickets and confirmed the time."
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Medium
A.visit
B.am visiting
C.will visit
D.am going to visit
Correct Answer: am visiting
Explanation:
The Present Continuous (am visiting) is used for future plans that are fixed arrangements, especially when a time, place, or preparation (like buying tickets) has been made.
Incorrect! Try again.
26I a documentary on TV when the power suddenly out.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Medium
A.watched / was going
B.was watching / was going
C.watched / went
D.was watching / went
Correct Answer: was watching / went
Explanation:
The Past Continuous (was watching) describes the longer, background action that was in progress. The Simple Past (went) describes the shorter, interrupting action.
Incorrect! Try again.
27The project is on a tight schedule. By the end of this month, the team ___ the initial design phase.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Medium
A.completes
B.will have completed
C.is completing
D.will complete
Correct Answer: will have completed
Explanation:
The Future Perfect (will have completed) is used to describe an action that will be finished before a specific point in the future ('By the end of this month').
Incorrect! Try again.
28He was completely out of breath when he arrived because he ___ for over an hour to catch the bus.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Medium
A.ran
B.had run
C.had been running
D.was running
Correct Answer: had been running
Explanation:
The Past Perfect Continuous (had been running) is used here to emphasize the duration of an activity that happened before another past event (his arrival) and explains the result (being out of breath).
Incorrect! Try again.
29According to the official university schedule, the final exam ___ on Friday at 9:00 AM in the main hall.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Medium
A.will begin
B.is beginning
C.begins
D.is going to begin
Correct Answer: begins
Explanation:
The Present Simple (begins) is used for fixed future events based on an official schedule or timetable.
Incorrect! Try again.
30Direct speech: "I am planning a trip to Italy." What is the correct reported speech if this was said last week?
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Medium
A.He said that he has been planning a trip to Italy.
B.He said that he is planning a trip to Italy.
C.He said that he was planning a trip to Italy.
D.He said that he will be planning a trip to Italy.
Correct Answer: He said that he was planning a trip to Italy.
Explanation:
In reported speech, the tense usually shifts back. The Present Continuous (am planning) in direct speech becomes the Past Continuous (was planning) when reported in the past.
Incorrect! Try again.
31If I your advice yesterday, I in this difficult situation right now.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Medium
A.took / wouldn't be
B.took / won't be
C.had taken / wouldn't have been
D.had taken / wouldn't be
Correct Answer: had taken / wouldn't be
Explanation:
This is a mixed conditional sentence. The 'if' clause refers to a hypothetical past action (If + Past Perfect), and the main clause refers to its hypothetical present result (would + infinitive).
Incorrect! Try again.
32When I was a teenager, I ___ to rock concerts all the time, but now I prefer jazz.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Medium
A.went
B.was going
C.used to go
D.had gone
Correct Answer: used to go
Explanation:
Used to go is the correct form to express a repeated past habit or state that is no longer true in the present. 'Went' would typically describe a single occasion.
Incorrect! Try again.
33Yesterday was a disaster. I woke up late and missed my train. When I finally arrived at the meeting, I realized that I ___ the most important documents at home.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Medium
A.have left
B.was leaving
C.had left
D.left
Correct Answer: had left
Explanation:
The main narrative is in the Simple Past (woke up, missed, arrived). The action of leaving the documents happened before the moment of realization, so the Past Perfect (had left) is required to indicate this earlier past event.
Incorrect! Try again.
34Which sentence most strongly expresses the speaker's annoyance about a repeated action?
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Medium
A.My colleague has always taken my pens without asking.
B.My colleague is always taking my pens without asking!
C.My colleague always takes my pens without asking.
D.My colleague took my pens without asking.
Correct Answer: My colleague is always taking my pens without asking!
Explanation:
Using the Present Continuous with adverbs like 'always' or 'constantly' is a common structure in English to express irritation or annoyance about a frequent, undesirable habit.
Incorrect! Try again.
35By next month, we ___ in this house for ten years. It's hard to believe it's been that long!
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Medium
A.will have been living
B.are living
C.will be living
D.will have lived
Correct Answer: will have been living
Explanation:
The Future Perfect Continuous (will have been living) is used to emphasize the duration of an action that will continue up to a specific point in the future.
Incorrect! Try again.
36Water at 100 degrees Celsius, but look, the water in this pot yet because the stove isn't hot enough.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Medium
A.boils / doesn't boil
B.boils / isn't boiling
C.will boil / isn't boiling
D.is boiling / doesn't boil
Correct Answer: boils / isn't boiling
Explanation:
The Present Simple (boils) is used for general truths or scientific facts. The Present Continuous (isn't boiling) is used to describe an action happening (or not happening) at the moment of speaking.
Incorrect! Try again.
37I to my cousin in Canada for a long time, but I a postcard from her just last week.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Medium
A.wasn't writing / received
B.haven't written / received
C.didn't write / have received
D.haven't written / had received
Correct Answer: haven't written / received
Explanation:
haven't written (Present Perfect) is used with 'for a long time' to describe a period continuing to the present. received (Simple Past) is used with the specific past time marker 'last week' for a completed action.
Incorrect! Try again.
38When I saw her last year, she told me she ___ her own business, but I haven't heard if she actually did it.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Medium
A.had started
B.was going to start
C.will start
D.is starting
Correct Answer: was going to start
Explanation:
Was/were going to is used to talk about a past intention or a future plan from the perspective of a past moment. It describes what was planned at that time.
Incorrect! Try again.
39Which sentence best emphasizes that the room is clean now as a result of the speaker's action?
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Medium
A.I was cleaning my room when you called.
B.I cleaned my room yesterday.
C.I have been cleaning my room all morning.
D.Look! I have cleaned my room.
Correct Answer: Look! I have cleaned my room.
Explanation:
The Present Perfect (have cleaned) focuses on the completed action and its present result (the room is now clean). The Present Perfect Continuous (have been cleaning) would emphasize the activity itself, which may or may not be complete.
Incorrect! Try again.
40"If the traffic bad tomorrow morning, I late for the meeting."
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Medium
A.is / am
B.is / will be
C.will be / will be
D.was / would be
Correct Answer: is / will be
Explanation:
This is a First Conditional sentence, used for real and possible future situations. The correct structure is If + Present Simple, ... will + infinitive. It describes a likely future outcome based on a possible future condition.
Incorrect! Try again.
41If the chief engineer __ the design flaw during the initial stress tests, the catastrophic failure that __ last week __ entirely.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Hard
A.noticed / had occurred / could be avoided
B.would have noticed / occurred / could have been avoided
C.had noticed / occurred / could be avoided
D.had noticed / occurred / could have been avoided
Correct Answer: had noticed / occurred / could have been avoided
Explanation:
This sentence combines a third conditional with a simple past event. The first part is a hypothetical past condition ('If the chief engineer had noticed...'), requiring the past perfect. The second part states a factual past event ('the catastrophic failure that occurred last week'), so simple past is correct. The final part is the hypothetical past result of the initial condition ('...could have been avoided'), requiring a modal perfect form.
Incorrect! Try again.
42By the time my successor takes over this department next year, I __ in this role for over a decade, a tenure that I __ will be difficult to match.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Hard
A.will have served / am suspecting
B.will be serving / will suspect
C.will have been serving / suspect
D.am serving / am suspecting
Correct Answer: will have been serving / suspect
Explanation:
The first blank requires the future perfect continuous ('will have been serving') to emphasize the duration of the service up to a specific point in the future ('By the time...'). The second blank requires the simple present ('suspect') because 'suspect' is a stative verb expressing a current opinion or belief about the future, and is not typically used in the continuous or simple future form in this context.
Incorrect! Try again.
43The CEO's old notes revealed he __ to diversify the company's portfolio back in 2015, an initiative which, if it __, __ the company from its current financial crisis.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Hard
A.had been intending / had been implemented / might have saved
B.intended / was implemented / might save
C.was intending / would have been implemented / might have been saving
D.had intended / would be implemented / might save
Correct Answer: had been intending / had been implemented / might have saved
Explanation:
This sentence involves a future-in-the-past and a third conditional. 'Had been intending' or 'had intended' expresses a past intention that existed before another past point. The second part is a third conditional describing a hypothetical past situation and its hypothetical past result. The condition ('if it had been implemented') requires the past perfect passive, and the result ('might have saved') requires a modal perfect.
Incorrect! Try again.
44The witness testified that she __ the suspect loitering near the bank moments before the alarm __, and that she __ him before on several occasions.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Hard
A.saw / went off / had noticed
B.had seen / had gone off / noticed
C.had seen / went off / had noticed
D.saw / had gone off / noticed
Correct Answer: saw / went off / had noticed
Explanation:
This tests narrative tenses in reported speech. The events happened in this order: 1) noticing him on previous occasions, 2) seeing him loiter, 3) the alarm going off. When narrating these past events, the earliest event ('noticing him before') takes the past perfect ('had noticed'). The subsequent events ('saw' and 'went off') can be told in sequence using the simple past. Using past perfect for everything would obscure the timeline.
Incorrect! Try again.
45He acts as though he __ a definitive answer to the paradox, but anyone who __ the literature knows it __ unresolved for centuries.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Hard
A.possessed / will have read / had remained
B.possessed / has read / has remained
C.had possessed / read / remained
D.possesses / reads / is remaining
Correct Answer: possessed / has read / has remained
Explanation:
The first part uses 'as though' to describe a hypothetical present situation, for which the past simple subjunctive ('possessed') is used. The second part ('anyone who has read') uses the present perfect because the reading could have happened anytime up to now and has relevance to the present. The final part ('has remained unresolved') also uses the present perfect to describe a state that started in the past and continues to the present.
Incorrect! Try again.
46No sooner __ the preliminary data than the research team __ that their initial hypothesis __ fundamentally flawed.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Hard
A.they had analyzed / realized / had been
B.had they analyzed / had realized / had been
C.did they analyze / had realized / was
D.had they analyzed / realized / was
Correct Answer: had they analyzed / realized / was
Explanation:
The structure 'No sooner... than' requires inversion and the past perfect in the first clause ('had they analyzed'). The second clause describes the immediate subsequent action, which takes the simple past ('realized'). The state of the hypothesis being flawed ('was') existed at that moment of realization, so simple past is most appropriate here to describe that state.
Incorrect! Try again.
47I wish I __ more attention during the lecture yesterday; the professor __ the very concept that __ on tomorrow's exam.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Hard
A.was paying / had explained / will be
B.had paid / explained / is going to be
C.had paid / was explaining / is
D.paid / explained / will be
Correct Answer: had paid / was explaining / is
Explanation:
The first clause expresses a regret about the past, so 'wish' + past perfect ('had paid') is needed. The second clause describes an action in progress at a specific time in the past ('during the lecture'), so past continuous ('was explaining') is best. The final clause refers to a scheduled future event (the exam), for which the simple present ('is') can be used, although 'will be' is also possible, making option 'is' a subtle but common choice for fixed schedules.
Incorrect! Try again.
48The patient __ remarkable progress since the new treatment __; doctors are now confident that he __ a full recovery within six months.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Hard
A.has made / was introduced / will make
B.made / was introduced / is making
C.is making / has been introduced / makes
D.has been making / introduced / will have made
Correct Answer: has made / was introduced / will make
Explanation:
The first clause describes progress from a past point ('since') up to the present, requiring the present perfect ('has made'). The introduction of the treatment is a finished past event, so simple past passive ('was introduced') is correct. The final clause is a future prediction, for which 'will make' is the standard form.
Incorrect! Try again.
49It __ to me that by this time next week, the earth __ another 1.6 million miles in its orbit, a fact that always __ me.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Hard
A.has just occurred / will have traveled / amazes
B.just occurred / will have traveled / amazes
C.is just occurring / will be traveling / is amazing
D.occurs / has traveled / will amaze
Correct Answer: has just occurred / will have traveled / amazes
Explanation:
The thought happened a moment ago with relevance to now, so present perfect ('has just occurred') is best. The second blank refers to a completed action by a future point in time ('by this time next week'), requiring the future perfect ('will have traveled'). The final blank expresses a timeless, general truth or feeling, for which the simple present ('amazes') is used.
Incorrect! Try again.
50Having __ the system for vulnerabilities all night, the security team finally __ a critical backdoor just as the first employees __ for the day.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Hard
A.scanned / had found / arrived
B.been scanning / found / were arriving
C.been scanning / were finding / had arrived
D.scanned / found / had been arriving
Correct Answer: been scanning / found / were arriving
Explanation:
The first part is a perfect participle clause, where 'Having been scanning' emphasizes the duration of the activity before the main event. The main clause describes the single, completed action of discovery, so simple past ('found') is correct. This discovery happened during another ongoing background action ('the first employees were arriving'), which requires the past continuous.
Incorrect! Try again.
51It is imperative that the government __ a new policy before the crisis __, as analysts predict the situation __ untenable otherwise.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Hard
A.implement / escalates / will become
B.implements / escalates / is becoming
C.implement / will escalate / would become
D.implements / will escalate / becomes
Correct Answer: implement / escalates / will become
Explanation:
The first blank requires the bare infinitive ('implement') due to the subjunctive mood triggered by the phrase 'It is imperative that...'. The second blank is in a future time clause ('before the crisis...'), which uses the simple present ('escalates') to refer to a future event. The final blank is a standard future prediction in the main clause, requiring 'will become'.
Incorrect! Try again.
52I __ to call you all morning, but it seems your phone __ off. I __ again after lunch in case it's on by then.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Hard
A.have been trying / has been / will try
B.have tried / is / am going to try
C.tried / had been / would try
D.was trying / was / am trying
Correct Answer: have been trying / has been / will try
Explanation:
The first action has been ongoing throughout the morning and is still relevant, so present perfect continuous ('have been trying') is ideal. The state of the phone being off has also persisted through this period, so present perfect ('has been') is correct. The decision to call again is a spontaneous one made at the moment of speaking, for which 'will try' is the most appropriate form.
Incorrect! Try again.
53The company __ to have reached its peak in the late 90s, after which a gradual decline __ that __ to its eventual bankruptcy in 2008.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Hard
A.is considered / began / led
B.was considered / had begun / was leading
C.is considered / had begun / would lead
D.has been considered / began / had led
Correct Answer: is considered / began / led
Explanation:
The first part expresses a current belief ('is considered') about a past event. A perfect infinitive ('to have reached') is used because the reaching happened before the considering. The second and third parts describe a sequence of past events: the decline 'began' and then 'led' to bankruptcy. Simple past is used for this chronological narrative.
Incorrect! Try again.
54I __ that you __ a sabbatical next year; what __ you do with all that free time?
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Hard
A.heard / are considering / are you going to
B.hear / consider / will you
C.have heard / will consider / do you
D.was hearing / are considering / would you
Correct Answer: heard / are considering / are you going to
Explanation:
'Heard' (or 'have heard') is used for recently received news. 'Are considering' is correct as it describes a current, ongoing thought process. For the last blank, 'are you going to' is the best choice to ask about someone's plans and intentions, which is more specific than the general prediction of 'will you'.
Incorrect! Try again.
55If the ancient library at Alexandria __ to the ground, we __ a much clearer understanding of the classical world today.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Hard
A.hadn't been burned / would have
B.hadn't burned / would have
C.didn't burn / will have
D.wasn't burned / would have had
Correct Answer: hadn't been burned / would have
Explanation:
This is a classic mixed conditional. The 'if' clause refers to a hypothetical situation in the distant past, requiring the past perfect passive ('hadn't been burned'). The main clause describes the hypothetical result in the present ('today'), requiring the present conditional structure 'would + base verb' ('would have').
Incorrect! Try again.
56The defendant claimed he __ his alibi with his lawyer the night before the police __, but phone records later proved no such call __.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Hard
A.had been confirming / had arrived / was being made
B.was confirming / arrived / had made
C.confirmed / had arrived / was made
D.had confirmed / arrived / had been made
Correct Answer: had confirmed / arrived / had been made
Explanation:
The act of confirming the alibi happened before the police arrived. So, the first blank needs past perfect ('had confirmed') and the second needs simple past ('arrived'). The final action, the making of the call (or lack thereof), also refers to a time before the later discovery by police, so past perfect passive ('had been made') is the most accurate choice to place it firmly in the earlier timeframe.
Incorrect! Try again.
57She __ about resigning for months before she finally __ her notice, by which time she __ another job.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Hard
A.thought / was handing in / had already been securing
B.had been thinking / handed in / had already secured
C.was thinking / handed in / already secured
D.had thought / had handed in / already secured
Correct Answer: had been thinking / handed in / had already secured
Explanation:
The first blank describes a continuous action (thinking) that occurred over a period of time before another past action, so past perfect continuous ('had been thinking') is best. The act of handing in the notice is a single past event, so simple past ('handed in') is used. The securing of the job was completed before handing in the notice, so past perfect ('had already secured') is required.
Incorrect! Try again.
58This time next Monday, we __ over the Atlantic, and if all __ according to plan, we __ in New York by noon.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Hard
A.will fly / will go / will land
B.will have been flying / is going / will be landing
C.are flying / goes / are landing
D.will be flying / goes / will have landed
Correct Answer: will be flying / goes / will have landed
Explanation:
The first blank describes an action in progress at a specific time in the future, requiring the future continuous ('will be flying'). The second blank is in a conditional 'if' clause about the future, which uses the simple present ('goes'). The third blank describes an action that will be completed by a specific time in the future ('by noon'), requiring the future perfect ('will have landed').
Incorrect! Try again.
59Had it not been for the anonymous tip, the detective admits that he __ the significance of the coded message and the case __ unsolved.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Hard
A.would have missed / remained
B.would have missed / would have remained
C.would miss / would remain
D.had missed / had remained
Correct Answer: would have missed / would have remained
Explanation:
The phrase 'Had it not been for...' is an inverted form of the third conditional ('If it hadn't been for...'). It refers to an unreal past condition. Therefore, the main clauses must describe the unreal past results, which requires the modal perfect structure 'would have + past participle' for both blanks ('would have missed', 'would have remained').
Incorrect! Try again.
60Look, I know the server __ a bit slow, but I promise that once the new fiber optic cable __, latency times __ a thing of the past.
comparison of present, past and future tenses
Hard
A.has been / will have been installed / will have been
B.has been / is installed / will be
C.was / is installed / are
D.is / will be installed / are going to be
Correct Answer: has been / is installed / will be
Explanation:
The server's slowness is a state that started in the past and continues to the present, so present perfect ('has been') is most appropriate. The second blank is in a future time clause ('once the...cable...'), which uses the simple present passive ('is installed') to refer to the future installation. The final blank is a simple prediction or promise about the future, for which 'will be' is the correct form.