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".
Done.
Score: 0/12
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 .
