Fill in the blanks with appropriate verbs. Remember to observe the rules regarding the sequence of tenses.
1They sold the house because it ............... old.
Wrong!
After the past-tense verb "sold", the reason clause normally uses "was".
2I found out that he ...............
Wrong!
After the past-tense verb "found out", the ongoing action is reported with "was lying".
3I never thought that I ............... see him again.
Wrong!
After the past-tense verb "thought", future-in-the-past is expressed with "would".
4She replied that she ............... better.
Wrong!
After the past-tense reporting verb "replied", the subordinate clause normally uses "felt".
5Whenever we meet, we ............... of our school days.
Wrong!
For a general present habit after "Whenever we meet", use "talk".
6He was so tired that he ............... barely stand.
Wrong!
With the past-tense clause "He was so tired", the natural modal is "could".
7He asked again whether supper ............... ready.
Wrong!
After the past-tense reporting verb "asked", the subordinate clause normally uses "was".
8He worked hard so that he ............... win first prize.
Wrong!
After the past-tense verb "worked", purpose is expressed with "might".
9He said that money ............... the root cause of all evil.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
A general truth in reported speech can keep the present "is" or be backshifted to "was".
10His health has improved since he ............... the city.
Wrong!
With "since" referring to a completed past event, use "left".
11You may come and stay with us whenever you ...............
Wrong!
After "whenever" with future meaning, use the present form "want".
12He rested his horse, for it ...............
Wrong!
The past-tense action "rested" is explained by the continuing past action "was limping".
Answers
- They sold the house because it was old.
- I found out that he was lying.
- I never thought that I would see him again.
- She replied that she felt better.
- Whenever we meet, we talk of our school days.
- He was so tired that he could barely stand.
- He asked again whether supper was ready.
- He worked hard so that he might win first prize.
- He said that money is / was the root cause of all evil.
- His health has improved since he left the city.
- You may come and stay with us whenever you want.
- He rested his horse, for it was limping.
