Verbs

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Questions 1 - 9
1

Choose the word that correctly completes the sentence.

I had two cats, but now I _____________ one.

have

got

had

am having

has

Explanation

The correct answer is "have." This is the present tense, first-person form of the verb "to have." Since the sentence shifts to present tense using the words "but now" we know we need this verb. The verbs "got" and "had" are past tense, and "am having" is a present progressive form, which is not appropriate in this case.

2

The car _____________ in order to avoid hitting the child in the road.

stopped

drove

went

stop

Explanation

The correct answer is "stopped." This word means to come to a halt, which is what the driver would do if he or she was trying to avoid a collision. The words "went," and "drove" are the opposite in meaning as stopped, so they are incorrect. The word "stop" is in the incorrect verb tense. We need a past-tense verb in this sentence, which is why "stopped" is the best choice.

3

Please choose the correct tense for the verb walk.

I am ______________ the dog right now.

None of these

have walked

will walk

walked

Explanation

This sentence is referring to an action that is being completed at right that moment; therefore, the present progressive form of walk is walking. The adverb now is your clue that the action is being complete at that second. Have walk is present perfect tense which is used to show that an action started in the past and continues into the present. Will walk is future tense which is used for actions that will happen in the future. Walked is past tense and used when speaking about actions that took place and were completed in the past.

4

The whole group __________ in agreement about the hike: they should start out early and come back down the mountain before nightfall.

was

were

had been

should be

be

Explanation

Though a group is made up of multiple people, the subject "group" is is itself a singular noun. The action of the sentence takes place in the past. Therefore, the third person singular past tense of of the verb "to be" is the correct answer. Though you might say "The individuals in the group were in agreement," (third person plural), it's correct to say "the group was."

5

In spite of the company's repeated requests, Paul absolutely ______________ to retract his statements to the grand jury.

refused

acquiesced

agreed

wept

Explanation

In this case, we're looking for a verb that accurately conveys the idea that Paul would not go along with the company's requests. The only verb that fits here is "refused."

6

Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.

They _________ a record of high achievement.

have

has

got

are

Explanation

Singular subjects require singular verbs and plural subjects require plural verbs. Has is a singular verb and have is a plural verb. Since the subject (they) is plural, the verb has to be plural as well, which is why "have" is the best choice. Neither "are" nor "got" are grammatically correct in this sentence.

7

Choose the word that best completes this sentence.

She __________ to the seaside in Mexico for vacation last summer.

went

go

was

is

Explanation

The correct answer is "went." Since she went on the vacation last year, we need a past-tense form of the verb "to go," and "went" fulfills this need. "Was" is a past-tense form of the verb "to be," so the only correct choice is "went."

8

Please choose the correct tense of the verb walk to complete the sentence

At the party, my aunt asked me how I get to school. I told her that I ______________ to school everyday.

walk

have walked

will walk

None of these

Explanation

Present tense is used when speaking about habitual activities. Here the sentence states that it is the subjects habit to walk to school. Will walk is future tense and talks about actions that will happen. Have walk is present perfect tense and is used when speaking about an action that started in the past and continues into the present.

9

Choose the word that best completes the sentence.

Everybody ______________ dancing and having a great time at the party.

was

are

were

be

Explanation

The correct answer is "was." The word "everybody" is a singular subject, so we need a singular verb form as well. "Are" and "were" are both plural verbs, and "be" would also be an incorrect construction.

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