Complete the 12 sentences below. Choose the best answer for each one. Some sentences have two correct answers. Choose both.
1I ............... three client calls this morning, so I can finally look at the proposal now.
Wrong!
Use the present perfect simple for completed actions with a present result.
2My eyes are sore because I ............... at spreadsheets for hours.
Wrong!
Use the present perfect continuous to emphasise the ongoing activity and its visible effect now.
3We ............... the same supplier since 2019, so switching now would be risky.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
With since + a starting point, both present perfect simple and present perfect continuous can be natural with an activity verb like work with, depending on whether you emphasise continuity or the ongoing relationship.
4She ............... the report, but she still needs to format the charts.
Wrong!
Use the present perfect simple to show a finished task with a current consequence.
5I ............... to reach IT all morning, and no one has picked up.
Wrong!
Use the present perfect continuous for repeated or ongoing attempts over a period up to now.
6They ............... the budget twice already, so we need a final version today.
Wrong!
Use the present perfect simple with already to count completed actions up to now.
7The printer ............... all day, which is why the office smells of warm plastic.
Wrong!
Use the present perfect continuous to highlight an activity continuing over time with a present effect.
8I ............... this software for years, so I can troubleshoot it quickly.
Wrong!
Use the present perfect simple with a state verb like know to show a continuing state up to now.
9We ............... the new policy, but staff still keep asking the same questions.
Wrong!
Use the present perfect simple for a completed action that affects the present.
10He ............... in meetings all week, so he has not had time to reply properly.
Wrong!
Use the present perfect continuous to stress duration and how it has affected the present.
11I ............... the figures, and they do not add up, so something is off.
Wrong!
Use the present perfect simple for a completed check with a result you can comment on now.
12She ............... for the same promotion for months, and it is starting to show.
Wrong!
Use the present perfect continuous to highlight ongoing effort over a period up to now and its present impact.
Done.
Score: 0/12
Answers
- I have made three client calls this morning, so I can finally look at the proposal now.
- My eyes are sore because I have been looking at spreadsheets for hours.
- We have been working with/have worked with the same supplier since 2019, so switching now would be risky.
- She has finished the report, but she still needs to format the charts.
- I have been trying to reach IT all morning, and no one has picked up.
- They have revised the budget twice already, so we need a final version today.
- The printer has been running all day, which is why the office smells of warm plastic.
- I have known this software for years, so I can troubleshoot it quickly.
- We have announced the new policy, but staff still keep asking the same questions.
- He has been sitting in meetings all week, so he has not had time to reply properly.
- I have checked the figures, and they do not add up, so something is off.
- She has been campaigning for the same promotion for months, and it is starting to show.
