Verb tenses: Timing is everything

Verb tense gives us information about when an action is taking place: in the past, present or future. The sequence of verb tenses tells us when one action takes place relative to another action. For example, is one action completed before another in the past? Is one action ongoing when another takes place? The verb tenses will tell you!

If you think you are up to the challenge, try your hand at the questions below. Choose the best answer in each case.

1. Every time Sue telephoned her father, he Placeholder for the answer a movie.
2. I Placeholder for the answer in the attic for hours when I finally found what I was looking for!
3. The reason that Kayo drove into the curb was that she Placeholder for the answer a text message the moment before.
4. If he is free, Marek Placeholder for the answer a speech at the convention centre next month.
5. Masako Placeholder for the answer the lead role for a month by the time her parents see the play.
6. Basha Placeholder for the answer his new store two weeks from today.
7. By the time Ramiro Placeholder for the answer his messages, he was already late for dinner.
8. Nalani Placeholder for the answer her B.A., her M.A. and now her Ph.D.