Fill in the blanks with an appropriate tense form.
1. When I opened my eyes, I ………………. a strange sight.
We use the simple past tense to talk about two quickly finished actions in the past.
2. Every morning she …………….. up early and gets ready for work.
We use the simple present tense to talk about habits and routines.
3. If I knew what he wanted, I ………………. this.
We use the second conditional to talk about imaginary situations. In the second conditional, we use a simple past tense in the if-clause and would + infinitive in the main clause.
4. I ………………….. anything from her in a long time.
5. The headmaster ……………… to talk to you.
The simple present is used to talk about facts.
6. Jane ………………. with her parents.
We use the simple present to talk about permanent situations.
7. We …………………… Greece next month.
The present continuous tense can be used to talk about future events if the arrangement already exists.
8. The moon …………….. around the earth.
We use the simple present to talk about facts and general truths.
9. She ………………… a novel.
We use the present perfect here because there is no reference to time.
10. All students ………………. in their work.
11. I …………………. English for twelve years.
We use the present perfect continuous tense to talk about actions and situations that started in the past and have continued up to the present.
12. The students ............................. their dialogues.
We use the present continuous to talk about actions and situations that are going on at the moment of speaking.
Answers
1. When I opened my eyes, I saw a strange sight.
2. Every morning she wakes up early and gets ready for work.
3. If I knew what he wanted, I would not permit this.
4. I haven’t heard anything from her in a long time.
5. The headmaster wants to talk to you.
6. Jane lives with her parents.
7. We are visiting Greece next month.
8. The moon revolves around the earth.
9. She has written a novel.
10. All students have handed in their work.
11. I have been teaching English for twelve years.
12. The students are rehearsing their dialogues.
