SELT Correct Verb Tense Usage 3

Question 1

She ______ to work every day, but today she took the bus.

Accepted Answer

walks

Answer

Simple present 'walks' describes a habitual action, while 'today' marks the exception.

Question 2

When I arrived at the party, most guests ______ already.

Accepted Answer

had left

Answer

Past perfect 'had left' shows that the guests' departure was completed before the speaker arrived.

Question 3

Look! The children ______ in the garden.

Accepted Answer

are playing

Answer

Present continuous 'are playing' describes an action happening right now, confirmed by 'Look!'.

Question 4

The company ______ its headquarters since 1985.

Accepted Answer

has been at

Answer

Present perfect 'has been at' connects a past starting point to the present situation.

Question 5

If it ______ tomorrow, we will cancel the picnic.

Accepted Answer

rains

Answer

In first conditional sentences, the if-clause uses simple present to express a real future possibility.

(SELT) Skills for English Practice Test