• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Home of English Grammar
  • Home
  • Course
  • Exercises
  • Grammar Rules
  • Matches
  • Posts
  • Tools
    • Grammar Checker
    • Very Replacer
    • Word Counter
  • Vocabulary Lists
  • Archives
    • Social Media Posts
    • Writing Guides
  • Join free

Past Forms: Past Perfect, Backshift and Third Conditional Exercise

April 17, 2015 A2pdf

Complete the following sentences using an appropriate phrase.

Progress 0 of 6 answered
1The peasant told the traveler that the weather was stormy and the way ............... long.
Wrong!
In reported speech after a past reporting verb, the present simple usually changes to the past simple, so the correct answer is "was".
2The only inhabitants of the village said that they ............... anyone cross the hills in deep snow.
Wrong!
The past perfect shows an earlier experience before the past reporting verb, so the correct answer is "had never known".
3He was so tired that he ............... barely stand.
Wrong!
Use "could" to express ability in the past, so the correct answer is "could".
4If you had asked me, I ............... you with pleasure.
Wrong!
A third conditional result uses "would have helped", so the correct answer is "would have helped".
5I was going to have lunch when they ............... me.
Wrong!
The past simple describes the completed interruption, so the correct answer is "called".
6No one could explain how the prisoner ............... from the prison.
Wrong!
The past perfect shows that the escape happened before the explanation, so the correct answer is "had escaped".

Exercise complete

0/ out of 6 correct answers
Challenge a friend
More Exercises →

Answers

  1. The peasant told the traveler that the weather was stormy and the way was long.
  2. The only inhabitants of the village said that they had never known anyone cross the hills in deep snow.
  3. He was so tired that he could barely stand.
  4. If you had asked me, I would have helped you with pleasure.
  5. I was going to have lunch when they called me.
  6. No one could explain how the prisoner had escaped from the prison.

Improve your English grammar, vocabulary and writing

We take you step by step from beginner to advanced, even if you struggled with English at school or have always had trouble remembering the rules.

  • 10 modules, 112 lessons and 730 questions
  • Just log in and learn anytime and anywhere
  • Your progress is saved in your account
  • Download the 2027 Grammar Guide (PDF)

Related lesson in the course Past and mixed conditions: third and mixed conditionals Module 05: Modals & conditions · Lesson 8

Join free

Already have an account? Sign in

See what’s in the course

Primary Sidebar

2.4M761.4K165.8K

Free 2027 Grammar Guide

  • Download Grammar Guide (PDF)
  • Online grammar course, A1 to C2
  • Weekly exercises and vocabulary
  • Join over 3 million English learners

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.

Already have an account? Sign in

Grammar Checker - Try Now

Latest Posts

  • 100 Questions to Ask Before Joining a Gym October 26, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Superficial” October 26, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Quit” October 26, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Extraordinary” October 26, 2026
  • There Was and There Were Exercise October 26, 2026
  • Mixed Classroom Language Exercise October 26, 2026
  • Word Families Review Exercise October 26, 2026
  • The origin and meaning of “on a shoestring” October 26, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Succeed” October 26, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Controlled” October 26, 2026
Home of English Grammar

Free English grammar exercises, rules and vocabulary lists, with new exercises every week. Join the leading English grammar site with over 3 million followers.

Join free

Learn

  • Exercises
  • Matches
  • Grammar rules
  • Vocabulary lists
  • Writing guides
  • Online tools

More

  • Top social media posts
  • Various posts
  • Contact

Account

  • Join free
  • Grammar Course
  • Free grammar guide (PDF)

Copyright © 2026 EnglishGrammar.org

  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms
  • Sitemap