This quiz works best with JavaScript enabled.
Home
>
English Grammar
>
Grammar
>
Parts Of Speech
>
Verbs
>
Tenses
>
Tenses And Verb Forms – Quiz 1
Tenses And Verb Forms Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding of various verb tenses and forms, including past continuous tense, infinitive verbs with "how" and "where," sentence structure in past tense, and usage of modal verbs. It also assesses the ability to recognize appropriate prepositions and understand context clues for tenses.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
When the hailstorm was over, Lencho said to his sons: "A plague of ..... would have left more than this."
A) Grasshoppers.
B) Insects.
C) Locusts.
D) Cockroaches.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "A plague of locusts would have left more than this" uses the past tense form "would have left," indicating a hypothetical situation in the past. Locusts are known to cause significant damage to crops, often described as a plague due to their vast numbers and destructive behavior. The phrase suggests that even if a plague of locusts had occurred, it would still have caused less damage than what was observed after the hailstorm.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Grasshoppers - While related, grasshoppers are not typically associated with causing widespread destruction like locusts.
Option B:
Insects - Too broad; it does not specify the specific type of insect that causes significant damage in large numbers.
Option C:
Locusts - Correct, as they are known for causing extensive crop damage and are often referred to as a plague due to their destructive nature.
Option D:
Cockroaches - Not typically associated with significant agricultural destruction on the scale implied by "plague."
2.
Would you mind ..... me your pocket calculator?
A) Lending.
B) To lend.
C) Lend.
D) Lent.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Would you mind lending me your pocket calculator?" is a polite request using the infinitive form of the verb "to lend." In this context, "lending" (Option A) correctly fills the gap as it matches the grammatical structure required by the modal verb "would" and the preposition "me."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses the infinitive form of lend.
Option B:
Incorrect. Requires a base form, not a to-infinitive.
Option C:
Incorrect. Does not fit grammatically in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. Past tense does not match the sentence structure.
3.
"I haven't seen Julie"He told me that he ..... Julie.
A) Hasn't seen.
B) Hadn't seen.
C) Didn't see.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I haven't seen Julie" is in the present perfect tense, indicating an action that started in the past and has a connection to the present. The reported speech should maintain this tense consistency. Therefore, "He told me that he hadn't seen Julie" correctly uses the present perfect tense in its past form.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Hasn't seen - Incorrect as it is in the present tense.
Option B:
Hadn't seen - Correct, maintaining the present perfect tense in reported speech.
Option C:
Didn't see - Incorrect as it is in the simple past tense and doesn't match the context of the original sentence.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect as Option B is correct.
4.
"You had better see a doctor if the sore throat does not clear up, " she said to me.
A) She insisted that I see a doctor unless the sore throat did not clear up.
B) She reminded me of seeing a doctor if the sore throat did not clear up.
C) She ordered me to see a doctor if the sore throat did not clear up.
D) She suggested that I see a doctor if the sore throat did not clear up.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "You had better see a doctor if the sore throat does not clear up," she said to me, indicates a suggestion rather than an insistence, reminder, or order. The phrase "had better" is used to give advice or make a recommendation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Insisted that" implies a stronger command which is not present in the original sentence.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Reminded me of" suggests a past action, whereas the original sentence indicates current advice.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Ordered me to" conveys a sense of command or necessity, which is not reflected in the original sentence's tone.
Option D:
Correct. "Suggested that" accurately captures the advisory nature of the statement.
5.
She ..... her homework and went out.
A) Made.
B) Didn't did.
C) Does.
D) Did.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence requires a past tense verb to describe an action completed before she went out. "Did" is the past tense of "do," making it the correct choice here as it properly forms the affirmative past simple tense with the subject "she."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Made" does not fit grammatically in this context, as it would require a different sentence structure or additional words to make sense.
Option B:
"Didn't did" is incorrect because the negative form of "do" in past tense should be "didn't do," and using just "did" without "not" makes no sense here.
Option C:
"Does" is present tense, which does not fit with the context of a completed action in the past.
Option D:
"Did" correctly forms the past simple tense and fits grammatically in this sentence.
6.
Thank somebody + .....
A) Of Ving.
B) For Ving.
C) About Ving.
D) With Ving.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) For Ving.
When thanking someone, we typically use the preposition "for" followed by a gerund (verb ending in -ing). This structure indicates that you are expressing gratitude for something done or experienced. For example: "Thank you for helping me."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Of Ving" is not a proper preposition to use with "thank."
Option B:
Correct. "For Ving" is the appropriate structure when expressing gratitude for an action or behavior.
Option C:
Incorrect. "About Ving" does not fit grammatically in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. "With Ving" would imply a different relationship, such as using something to thank someone, which is not the intended meaning here.
7.
How much money was the postmaster able to arrange?
A) 1000 pesos.
B) 100 pesos.
C) 70 pesos.
D) Nil.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is C) 70 pesos. This indicates that the postmaster was able to arrange for an amount of 70 pesos, which aligns with the information provided in the question.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as it suggests a higher amount (1000 pesos) than what is stated.
Option B:
Incorrect as it suggests a lower amount (100 pesos) than what is stated.
Option C:
Correct, as it matches the given information in the question.
Option D:
Incorrect as it suggests no arrangement was made, which contradicts the question's statement.
8.
"The postmaster was a fat, amiable man." What is the meaning of amiable?
A) Rude.
B) Enthusiastic.
C) Friendly.
D) Thoughtful.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "amiable" means friendly and pleasant in manner. Therefore, the correct answer is C) Friendly.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Rude - This is incorrect as amiable implies a positive attitude.
Option B:
Enthusiastic - While enthusiastic can be friendly, it does not fully capture the meaning of amiable which specifically refers to being pleasant and agreeable in manner.
Option C:
Friendly - This is correct as it accurately describes someone who is amiable.
Option D:
Thoughtful - Although thoughtful can be associated with kindness, it does not directly mean friendly or pleasant in manner.
9.
Which sentence is in the future tense?
A) They play soccer.
B) They will play soccer.
C) They are playing soccer.
D) They played soccer.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "They will play soccer" (Option B) is in the future tense. This tense is used to express actions that have not yet happened but are expected to occur in the future.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This sentence uses the simple present tense, indicating a habitual or general action.
Option B:
Correct. Uses "will" + base verb form to indicate future actions.
Option C:
This is in the present continuous tense, showing an ongoing action at the moment of speaking.
Option D:
This sentence uses the simple past tense, indicating a completed action in the past.
10.
PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE8.The workers ..... resting under a tree now.
A) Am.
B) Were.
C) Is.
D) Are.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The workers are resting under a tree now" is in the present continuous tense, which is used to describe an action that is happening at the moment of speaking or during a period of time that includes the present. The structure for this tense is subject + am/is/are + verb (ing). In this case, "are" correctly agrees with the plural subject "workers."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as it uses "am," which does not agree with the plural subject.
Option B:
Incorrect as it uses "were," which is for past tense, not present continuous.
Option C:
Incorrect as it uses "is," which does not agree with the plural subject.
Option D:
Correct as it uses "are" to match the plural subject and indicate an action happening now.
11.
Why did Lencho step out into the rain at the beginning of the story?
A) To have the pleasure of the rain on his body.
B) To collect his crop.
C) To compare the rain to new coins.
D) To bathe in the rain.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The story indicates that Lencho stepped out into the rain to express his gratitude and joy for receiving help, not just for pleasure (Option A). The act symbolizes a deeper emotional response rather than a casual enjoyment of the weather. This choice highlights the importance of understanding context in interpreting characters' actions.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Stepping out into the rain signifies more than just pleasure; it represents gratitude and joy.
Option B:
Incorrect. There is no indication that Lencho went out to collect his crop.
Option C:
Incorrect. The comparison of rain to coins is made in the story, but not as a reason for stepping out into the rain.
Option D:
Incorrect. While bathing could be a form of pleasure, it does not align with Lencho's emotional state described in the story.
12.
In the sentence "They were playing, " the word "were" is a:
A) Main verb.
B) Adjective.
C) Helping verb.
D) Noun.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "were" in the sentence "They were playing," is a helping verb. It assists the main verb "playing" to form the past tense of the verb "to be." Helping verbs, also known as auxiliary verbs, are used to modify or assist the main verb.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Main verb - Incorrect. "Playing" is the main verb.
Option B:
Adjective - Incorrect. "Were" does not describe a noun in this context.
Option C:
Helping verb - Correct. It helps form the past tense of the main verb "playing."
Option D:
Noun - Incorrect. "Were" is not a word that names a person, place, thing, or idea.
13.
When we finally found his house, everyone ..... for a club in town.
A) Had left.
B) Left.
C) Had already left.
D) Already had left.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "When we finally found his house, everyone had already left for a club in town." uses the past perfect tense ("had already left") to indicate that the action of leaving was completed before the main event (finding the house). This fits the context where the group arrived at the house after the people they were looking for had already departed.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Had left" is grammatically correct but does not convey the sense of a completed action before another past event, making it less suitable.
Option B:
"Left" refers to simple past and does not indicate that the leaving happened before finding the house.
Option C:
"Had already left" is correct as it uses the past perfect tense to show a completed action in the past before another past event, fitting the context perfectly.
Option D:
"Already had left" is redundant and awkwardly phrased, making it incorrect.
14.
Question words:how, what, where +
A) To V.
B) Ving.
C) V.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The question words "how" and "where" are not typically used to introduce infinitive verbs (to V). Instead, they often require the base form of the verb or a gerund (Ving). The correct answer is A) To V., as it correctly identifies that "how" and "where" can be followed by an infinitive.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "How" and "where" are often used with the infinitive form (to + base verb).
Option B:
Incorrect. Ving does not fit with these question words.
Option C:
Incorrect. V alone is not appropriate for these question words.
Option D:
Incorrect. None of the above is not applicable here as one option (A) is correct.
15.
The first/ the last/ the only ..... +
A) To V.
B) Ving.
C) V.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "the first/ the last/ the only" is often used to indicate a unique occurrence, and it typically precedes a verb in its base form (infinitive). For example: "The first time I visited the museum, I was amazed." Here, "visited" is in its base form as an infinitive.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The verb following "the first/ the last/ the only" should be in its base form (infinitive) to maintain grammatical correctness.
Option B:
Incorrect. Ving (gerund or present participle) is not appropriate here.
Option C:
Incorrect. V (base form of the verb) is correct, but "C" does not specify it clearly enough.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
16.
How much money did Lencho ask God for?
A) 100 pesos.
B) 70 rubles.
C) 70 pesos.
D) 100 rubles.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is A) 100 pesos. In the story, Lencho wrote a letter to God asking for 100 pesos to help his family after a drought destroyed their crops and left them in need of financial assistance.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Lencho asked for 100 pesos.
Option B:
Incorrect. Rubles are the currency of Russia, not relevant to this story.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option uses the correct amount but with a different currency (pesos vs. rubles).
Option D:
Incorrect. This option uses the correct currency but with a different amount (100 rubles instead of 70 pesos).
17.
"es" is pronounced differently
A) Practises.
B) Principles.
C) Reaches.
D) Introduces.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The pronunciation of "es" in
Principles
(Option B) is different from other options because it is part of the plural form, pronounced as /ɪz/. In contrast, "practises," "reaches," and "introduces" do not have a plural "es" ending that would require a specific pronunciation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Practises. Pronounced as /ˈpræktɪs/. No "es" to pronounce.
Option B:
Principles. Pronounced as /ˈprɪnsəplz/, where "es" is pronounced as /ɪz/.
Option C:
Reaches. Pronounced as /riːtʃ/. No "es" to pronounce.
Option D:
Introduces. Pronounced as /ˌɪntrəˈdjuːs/. The "es" is part of the verb form but not pronounced separately.
18.
** "I'll pay back the money, Gloria" said Peter. => Peter ..... to pay the money back to Gloria.
A) Promised.
B) Offered.
C) Advised.
D) Apollogized.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I'll pay back the money, Gloria" said Peter indicates a future commitment to an action that will be completed in the future. This is best represented by the simple future tense, which expresses a promise or determination to do something at some point in the future.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Promised - Correct. The use of "I'll" (contraction of "I will") indicates a commitment or promise.
Option B:
Offered - Incorrect. An offer is typically made in the present tense and does not necessarily imply future action with certainty.
Option C:
Advised - Incorrect. Advising involves giving suggestions or recommendations, which is not indicated by the sentence structure.
Option D:
Apologized - Incorrect. An apology typically includes words of regret and does not necessarily involve a future action commitment.
19.
I (13) ..... (know) it was difficult to be able to swim freely in the deep water but I (14) ..... (decide) to try anyway.
A) 13.know14.had decided.
B) 13.had known14.would decide.
C) 13.knew14.decided.
D) 13.know14.decided.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) 13.knew14.decided.
This option uses the simple past tense for both clauses, which is appropriate because the sentence describes a sequence of events in the past. The subject knew about the difficulty before deciding to try anyway.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"know" and "had decided" are not consistent with each other; "had decided" suggests an action that occurred before another past event, which is unnecessary here.
Option B:
"had known" implies a completed action in the past that had effects continuing up to the present, which is not required by the context. "Would decide" is used for future actions from the perspective of the past, which does not fit the sequence of events described.
Option C:
"knew" and "decided" are both in simple past tense, correctly representing a sequence of two past events.
Option D:
"know" is in present tense, which does not fit the context of describing actions that occurred in the past.
20.
Which form is the present progressive of "eat" ?
A) Ate.
B) Eat.
C) Is eating.
D) Has eaten.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The present progressive form of the verb "eat" is "is eating." This tense is used to describe an action that is happening now, at this moment. For example: "She
is eating
her lunch right now."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Ate - Past simple form.
Option B:
Eat - Base form or simple present tense.
Option C:
Is eating - Correct present progressive form.
Option D:
Has eaten - Present perfect form, indicating an action completed in the past with relevance to now.
21.
"I have seen that movie" .He told me that he ..... that movie.
A) Had seen.
B) Will have seen.
C) Has seen.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I have seen that movie" indicates a past action with present relevance. When he told you about it, the verb form should reflect this completed past action. The correct answer is A) Had seen, which is in the past perfect tense and correctly conveys an action completed before another past event.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Past perfect tense ("had seen") indicates a completed action before another past time.
Option B:
Incorrect. Future perfect tense does not fit the context of telling about a past experience.
Option C:
Incorrect. Simple present or past tense do not indicate a completed past action in relation to another event.
Option D:
Incorrect. At least one correct option exists, so "none" is incorrect.
22.
Jack ..... you his sister couldn't swim.
A) Told.
B) Said.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Jack ..... you his sister couldn't swim" requires a verb that connects Jack to the action of telling about his sister's inability to swim. The correct form is "Told," as it indicates an action in the past where Jack conveyed information to someone.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Told" is appropriate for indicating a completed past action of informing or relating something.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Said" typically refers to speaking words, not conveying information about someone's ability.
Option C:
Incorrect. "All the above" cannot be correct since only one option fits the context.
Option D:
Incorrect. The sentence can be correctly filled with a verb from the given options.
23.
What destroyed Lencho's fields?
A) Heavy rainfall.
B) Hailstorm.
C) Landslide.
D) Flood.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Hailstorms are known for their destructive power, particularly to crops and fields. They can severely damage plants by breaking leaves, stems, and even small fruits, leading to significant yield loss.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Heavy rainfall typically causes flooding rather than direct destruction of crops.
Option B:
Correct. Hailstorms are known for their destructive power on fields and crops.
Option C:
Landslides usually occur in mountainous areas or due to earthquakes, not commonly affecting flat agricultural fields directly.
Option D:
Floods can destroy fields but are less likely to be the immediate cause of damage compared to a hailstorm's direct impact on crops.
24.
She ..... in this company over the past 3 years.
A) Is working.
B) Works.
C) Has worked.
D) Worked.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence describes an action that started in the past and continues up to now, which is characteristic of the present perfect tense. "Has worked" correctly conveys this ongoing past action with a present result.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Is working - This indicates an action happening at the moment or currently, not over a period including the past.
Option B:
Works - This is in simple present tense and does not indicate any past involvement.
Option C:
Has worked - Correct. It shows an action that started in the past and continues up to now, fitting the context of "over the past 3 years."
Option D:
Worked - This is simple past tense and only refers to a completed action in the past without indicating any present relevance.
25.
"Let's have a picnic next Saturday, " Julia said.
A) Julia advised how about having a picnic the next Saturday.
B) Julia suggested having a picnic the following Saturday.
C) Julia told that why they didn't have a picnic next Saturday.
D) Julia said that let's have a picnic the next Saturday.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Julia suggested having a picnic the following Saturday.
This option accurately reflects that Julia used the verb "suggested" to propose an idea, which aligns with her statement "Let's have a picnic next Saturday." The phrase "the following Saturday" in Option B correctly interprets "next Saturday."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Advised how about" is not the correct form for suggesting an idea.
Option C:
Incorrect. Julia did not state a reason why they didn't have a picnic; she proposed having one.
Option D:
Incorrect. While this option uses "said," it incorrectly translates "next Saturday" as "the next Saturday."
26.
Instead of ..... out with Janet, we decided ..... home.
A) To go / to stay.
B) To go / staying.
C) Going / to stay.
D) Going / staying.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C is correct because "Going" in the first part of the sentence is in the present participle form, which functions as a verbal noun and fits well with the infinitive "to stay" in the second part. This structure indicates a preference or decision to do one thing over another.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect because both parts of the sentence should be in verb forms that agree with each other.
Option B:
Incorrect for the same reason as Option A; "staying" is not appropriate here.
Option C:
Correct as explained above.
Option D:
Incorrect because both parts should be in verb forms that match, and "going / staying" does not fit grammatically or contextually well.
27.
What did Lencho ask for in his second letter?
A) More money.
B) The remaining amount and to not send it by mail.
C) The remaining amount and to send it by mail.
D) A punishment for the crooks.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Lencho asked for the remaining amount and to not send it by mail in his second letter, making Option B correct. This indicates a change from his initial request of just asking for money without specifying how it should be sent.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as it only mentions more money but does not address the method of sending.
Option B:
Correct as it matches his second letter's request for the remaining amount and specifies that it should not be sent by mail.
Option C:
Incorrect because it includes both the remaining amount and a request to send it, which is not what he asked in his second letter.
Option D:
Incorrect as it does not relate to any content of Lencho's letters.
28.
How did Lencho decide to contact his last resort, God?
A) By using other media.
B) By writing a letter.
C) By contacting postmaster.
D) By complaining postmaster.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Lencho decided to contact his last resort, God, by writing a letter. This method aligns with the context of the story where Lencho, facing an emergency situation, chose to address his plea directly through written communication rather than using other media or contacting postmaster.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as it suggests using other media which is not mentioned in the scenario.
Option B:
Correct, as writing a letter was Lencho's chosen method to communicate with God.
Option C:
Incorrect as contacting the postmaster would imply seeking help through official channels rather than directly addressing his plea to God.
Option D:
Incorrect as it suggests complaining, which is not indicated in the scenario but rather a direct request for assistance.
29.
Agree/ disagree +
A) To V.
B) Ving.
C) V.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is A) To V. This form of the verb, known as the infinitive, often begins with "to" and is used to express purpose or intention in a sentence. For example, "To walk is good for health." The other options do not fit this context: B) Ving (gerund or present participle), C) V (base form of the verb), D) None of the above.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Infinitive form with "to" is used to express purpose.
Option B:
Incorrect. Gerund or present participle does not start with "to." Example: Walking is good for health.
Option C:
Incorrect. Base form of the verb does not include "to." Example: Walk is a simple verb form.
Option D:
Incorrect. One of the options above is correct.
30.
What is meant by '' Lencho was an ox of a man" ?
A) He was calm.
B) He was hard working.
C) He was lazy.
D) He was careless.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "Lencho was an ox of a man" is a simile, comparing Lencho to an ox, which is known for its strength and hard work. This suggests that Lencho possesses similar qualities, making him hardworking.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
He was calm - The phrase does not indicate his emotional state or temperament.
Option B:
He was hard working - Correct. This aligns with the comparison to an ox, known for its strength and diligence.
Option C:
He was lazy - This contradicts the image of a strong, diligent ox.
Option D:
He was careless - The phrase does not suggest any lack of attention or care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of tenses in English?
English has several tenses, including past (e.g., Past Simple), present (e.g., Present Continuous), and future (e.g., Future Simple). Each tense is used to describe actions or states at a specific time.
How do I form the past simple tense?
The past simple tense is formed by adding -ed to regular verbs (e.g., walked, talked). Irregular verbs have different forms (e.g., went, saw).
What are infinitive forms of verbs?
Infinitive forms of verbs in English typically begin with "to" and the base form of the verb (e.g., to walk, to talk). They can be used in various grammatical constructions.
How do tenses affect polite requests?
Polite requests often use the infinitive form of verbs (e.g., to open, to close). Using different tenses can change the politeness level and the context in which a request is made.
What is reported speech?
Reported speech involves reporting what someone else has said. It typically changes the tense (e.g., past simple to past perfect) and uses tags like "said" or "told." The exact transformation depends on the context.