Rule 03 - Tense (A)

Whenever Tariq learns a new method in art class, he _____ the work of sculptors who have used it with success.

• sought out

• seeks out

Answer explanation

Whenever - simultaneous action

Learns - present

verbs need to both be present

Last year, a doctor ____ my tonsils.

• removes

• removed

Answer explanation

Last year

use past tense - removed

Rielle ____ an ardent supporter of the mayor ever since she heard him speak at her school.

• has been

• had been

Answer explanation

started in the past and is still going

use has/have + past participle

Organizers asked Victor to be a judge in the baking contest, a request he found odd because he ____ a single cookie.

• has never baked

• had never baked

Answer explanation

found - simple past

before that - never baked

happened in the past before something else, use "had"

Since James Mardsen took the reins at State College in 1966, the football program there _____ just five losing seasons.

• endured

• has endured

Answer explanation

started in the past and is still happening

use has/have

While the guests waited for the visiting dignitary to arrive, they _____ treated to the music of a string quartet.

• had been

• were

Answer explanation

while means happening at the same time

waited is simple past

were matches simple past

Sara ______ at Banana Republic last year.

• has worked

• worked

Answer explanation

Happened in the past. Not still happening.

Sara ______ at Banana Republic ever since high school.

• has worked

• worked

Answer explanation

In the past and still happening. (ever since lets us know it's still happening)

Use has/have

By the age of 25, Tiger Woods _____ all four major golf championships, and was already one of the best players in history.

• won

• had won

Answer explanation

happened in the past before something else happened.

Use had

Before he injured his tendon at yesterday's practice, Javier ____ only a few pitches.

• had taken

• took

Answer explanation

happened in the past before something else happened.