Mixed tenses quiz

Choose the correct answer.

I cut my finger while I __________________ dinner ready.

• got

• am getting

• get

• was getting

Answer explanation

The past perfect continuous tense shows that an action that started in the past continued up until another time in the past.

Choose the correct answer.

The Qing dynasty _________________ from 1644 - 1912.

• is ruling

• rules

• was ruling

• ruled

Answer explanation

This sentence is about the action that have already happened and finished action. That's why past simple tense is used.

Choose the correct answer.

Paul ___________________ computer game when, unfortunately, his boss came into the office.

• plays

• was playing

• played

• is playing

Answer explanation

The past perfect continuous tense (also known as the past perfect progressive tense) shows that an action that started in the past continued up until another time in the past.

Choose the correct answer.

'Can I speak to Mr Watkins, please?''

He _______________ lunch actually. Shall I ask him to call you back?

• has

• had

• is having

• was having

Answer explanation

In this case, we use present continuous because this action is happening now.

Choose the correct answer.

If you want mangoes, go to the market. They _______________ really good fruit there.

• were selling

• are selling

• sell

• sold

Answer explanation

We will use present simple in this case. They are talking about the fixed action that they always sell good mangoes.

Put the verbs in the brackets into the past simple or the past continuous.

He .........................(watch) TV when the telephone ...............(ring).

Put the verbs in brackets into the past simple or the past continuous.

I ....................................(clean) the house while he .....................(work) in the garden.

Put the verbs in brackets into the present simple or the present continuous.

A: Excuse me! What time .......................?(the bus for Plymouth/leave)

Answer explanation

This questions asks about the schedule which is fixed arrangement. So we will use Present simple tense in this case.

Put the verbs in brackets into the past simple or the past continuous.

When I ........................................(arrive) home, father ...................................(paint) the front door.

Put the verbs in brackets into the present simple or the present continuous.

Jason ......................(not/come) with us this evening.