English Grammar Quiz: Past And Present Tenses (Long Version)
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Change the verb into their progressive form (-ing) Die =
About This Quiz
Here we are with another English grammar quiz on tenses. When we speak about an activity that is currently happening, we use the present tense, and if it is an event that took place in the past, we use the past tense. Below is a set of questions designed to test a student’s understanding of the two types of sentence formatting. Why don’t you give it a try and get to understand more about past and present tenses? All the best!
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- 2.
Present simple or Past simple It ......................................... (be) a wonderful day yesterday.
Explanation
"yesterday" = past time referenceRate this question:
- 3.
Present simple or Past simple I .............................. (use) to play soccer, now I don't have time.
Explanation
The correct answer is "used". In this sentence, the speaker is talking about a past habit or action that they no longer do. The word "used" is the past simple form of the verb "use", which is used to indicate past habits or actions.Rate this question:
- 4.
Present simple or Past simple David .................................... (start) school ten years ago.
Explanation
"Ago" = past time referenceRate this question:
- 5.
This rises at the beginning of the performance and comes down at the end. It is a _ _ _ _ _ _ _.
Explanation
The given correct answer is "curtain." A curtain is a piece of fabric that is used to separate the stage from the audience in a theater. It is typically raised at the beginning of a performance to reveal the stage and then lowered at the end to signify the end of the performance.Rate this question:
- 6.
I was reading a book while John ______ (watch) television
Explanation
The correct answer is "was watching" because the sentence is describing an ongoing action in the past. The verb "watch" is in the past continuous tense to show that John was actively engaged in watching television while the speaker was reading a book.Rate this question:
- 7.
Yesterday I saw an old man. He ________ (walk) his dog.
Explanation
The correct answer is "was walking" because the sentence is in the past tense and the action of the old man walking his dog was ongoing in the past. The past continuous tense, formed with "was/were + verb-ing," is used to describe actions that were in progress at a specific time in the past.Rate this question:
- 8.
Google is not the only _____ engine. There are many!!
Explanation
The given answer "search" is correct because it completes the sentence in a logical and grammatically correct way. The sentence states that Google is not the only ______ engine, implying that there are other engines in existence. The word "search" fits perfectly in the blank, as it refers to the type of engine that Google is known for - a search engine. This answer also aligns with the context provided in the sentence, which mentions that there are many such engines.Rate this question:
- 9.
Sam! Get your shoes ******* now.
Explanation
The correct answer is "on,off" because the sentence is asking Sam to get his shoes, indicating that they are currently off. The word "on" suggests that Sam should put his shoes on, while the word "off" implies that they are currently not on his feet. Therefore, the correct answer is a combination of both options, indicating that Sam should put his shoes on and then take them off.Rate this question:
- 10.
The actors and actresses wear these. They are _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.
Explanation
Actors and actresses wear costumes for their performances. Costumes are an essential part of a production as they help create the characters and bring the story to life. They can include clothing, accessories, and props that reflect the time period, setting, and personality of the characters. Costumes help the audience visually understand and connect with the characters, enhancing the overall theatrical experience.Rate this question:
- 11.
She _______ (leave) the house when the telephone rang.
Explanation
The correct answer is "was leaving" because the action of leaving the house was already in progress when the telephone rang. The past continuous tense "was leaving" is used to describe an ongoing action in the past.Rate this question:
- 12.
Alex ______ (drive) to work. It was raining heavily.
Explanation
The correct answer is "was driving" because the sentence is in the past tense and the action of driving is ongoing. The use of "was" indicates that the action was happening at a specific point in the past, while "driving" is the correct verb form to match the subject "Alex". The mention of heavy rain suggests that the action was happening in the past continuous tense.Rate this question:
- 13.
We didn't like the film at all. So we _____ (stand) up and went home.
Explanation
The correct answer is "stood" because the sentence is in past tense and the verb "stand" needs to be conjugated to match the subject "we". Additionally, the sentence indicates that the action of standing up and going home happened after not liking the film, which further supports the use of past tense.Rate this question:
- 14.
I tried to call him but I couldn't get *******. I'll try again tomorrow.
Explanation
The word "through" in this context means to successfully make contact with someone via a phone call. The speaker attempted to call the person but was unable to reach them. The word "through" implies that the speaker was unable to establish a connection or have a conversation with the person they were trying to call. They express their intention to try again in the future.Rate this question:
- 15.
The ______ went wild when U2 appeared on stage!
Explanation
The word "crowd" is the correct answer because it refers to a large group of people. In the given sentence, it is mentioned that the crowd went wild when U2 appeared on stage, indicating that the audience reacted enthusiastically and excitedly to their performance.Rate this question:
- 16.
Present simple or Past simple Sarah usually ............................ (walk) to school.
Explanation
It is a habitual actionRate this question:
- 17.
Do you want to go for a walk?
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It's great!
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Sure!
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It was fantastic.
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I'm not really enjoying it!
Correct Answer
A. Sure!Explanation
The given response "Sure!" suggests that the person is willing and enthusiastic about going for a walk.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Past progressive or Past simpleShe was so sad because her dog ______ (not come) back home yesterday
Correct Answer
didn't come
did not comeExplanation
The correct answer is "didn't come" or "did not come". Both options are in the past simple tense and are used to indicate an action that did not happen in the past. In this case, the sentence is referring to the dog not coming back home yesterday, which is a specific event in the past. The past progressive tense would be used if the sentence described an ongoing action in the past, such as "She was so sad because her dog was not coming back home yesterday." However, since the sentence is referring to a specific event, the past simple tense is more appropriate.Rate this question:
- 19.
______________ when I saw Neil. I stopped and had a chat.
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I was running
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I run
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I ran
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I were running
Correct Answer
A. I was runningExplanation
The correct answer is "I was running" because the sentence is in the past continuous tense, indicating an ongoing action in the past. The phrase "when I saw Neil" suggests that the action of running was interrupted by the sight of Neil, leading to the decision to stop and have a chat. The other options ("I run," "I ran," "I were running") do not accurately convey the ongoing nature of the action in the past.Rate this question:
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- 20.
He is amazing! He sings really well that's why he is the _____ singer!
Correct Answer
leadExplanation
The given sentence states that the person being described is amazing and sings really well. This is why he is referred to as the "lead" singer. The term "lead" in this context indicates that this person is the main or primary singer in a group or band.Rate this question:
- 21.
When I woke up this morning _________________
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It rained
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It was raining
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It were raining
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It did't rain
Correct Answer
A. It was rainingExplanation
The use of "when" in the sentence suggests that the action of waking up and the action of raining were happening simultaneously. Therefore, the correct answer is "it was raining" as it indicates that the rain was already in progress when the person woke up.Rate this question:
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- 22.
I got ******* the 6.15 to Liverpool Street instead of the 6.20 to King's Cross.
Correct Answer
onExplanation
The word "on" in this context indicates that the person took the 6.15 train to Liverpool Street instead of the 6.20 train to King's Cross. It suggests that the person made a mistake or chose the wrong train, possibly due to confusion or lack of attention.Rate this question:
- 23.
Present simple or Past simple It ........................... (rain) all day last Sunday..
Correct Answer
rainedExplanation
"Lats Sunday" = past eventRate this question:
- 24.
What's the book you're reading _ _ _ _?
Correct Answer
like - 25.
Present simple or Past simple My friend ........................... (get) good tests results. She is very intelligent.
Correct Answer
getsExplanation
Habitual actionsRate this question:
- 26.
Change the verb into their progressive form (-ing) Begin =
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Begining
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Beginning
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Beging
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Beginining
Correct Answer
A. BeginningExplanation
The correct answer is "Beginning." The verb "begin" is being changed into its progressive form by adding "-ing" at the end, resulting in "beginning."Rate this question:
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- 27.
Frank ________ to travel a lot when he was younger.
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Didn't use
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Don't use
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Not use
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Used to
Correct Answer
A. Didn't useExplanation
The correct answer is "didn't use" because the sentence is in the past tense and the word "didn't" is the negative form of the auxiliary verb "did." This is used to indicate that Frank did not engage in the action of traveling a lot when he was younger.Rate this question:
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- 28.
I ________________ shopping when I ______________ John.
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Was living - was meeting
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Lived - met
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Was doing - met
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Lived - met
Correct Answer
A. Was doing - metExplanation
The correct answer is "was doing - met". This is because the sentence is in the past continuous tense, indicating an ongoing action in the past. "Was doing" indicates the ongoing action of shopping, while "met" indicates a specific event that happened during that ongoing action.Rate this question:
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- 29.
He ____________________ away most of his money to charity.
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Threw
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Took
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Passed
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Gave
Correct Answer
A. GaveExplanation
'Give away' significa dar algo como se fosse um presente.
'He gave away most of his money to charity' - Ele deu grande parte de seu dinheiro para caridade. 'Giveaway', observe que é uma única palavra nesse caso e pode ser traduzido como 'brinde'. 'I bought the computer and got the mouse as a giveaway' - Eu comprei o computador e ganhei o mouse de brinde.Rate this question:
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- 30.
The ______ rose and the show began.
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Stage
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Curtain
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Scenery
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Costume
Correct Answer
A. CurtainExplanation
The correct answer is "curtain" because it is the most logical choice to complete the sentence. The sentence suggests that something rose, which implies that it was covering or hiding something. The word "curtain" fits this description perfectly as it is commonly used to cover or reveal a stage or performance area. The other options, such as "stage," "scenery," and "costume," do not fit the context of the sentence as well as "curtain" does.Rate this question:
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- 31.
She doesn't like boats because she _____ sick.
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Gets
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Has
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Takes
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Puts
Correct Answer
A. GetsExplanation
The correct answer is "gets" because it implies that she becomes sick when she is on boats.Rate this question:
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- 32.
The sun _____ (shine) so hard as we got home.
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Shone
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Shines
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Was shining
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Shine
Correct Answer
A. Was shiningExplanation
The correct answer is "was shining". This is because the sentence is in the past tense and is describing an action that was happening at a specific point in the past. The past continuous tense "was shining" is used to indicate an ongoing action in the past.Rate this question:
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- 33.
What __________________________ when the telephone rang?
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Did she do
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Did she doing
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Was she doing
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Were she doing
Correct Answer
A. Was she doingExplanation
The correct answer is "was she doing". This is because the question is asking about a past action that was happening at a specific moment in the past (when the telephone rang). The correct structure for this type of question is "was/were + subject + verb-ing". In this case, the subject is "she" and the verb is "doing", so the correct form is "was she doing".Rate this question:
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- 34.
The painted backgrounds that show where the story takes place.
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Stage
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Props
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Scenery
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Lighting
Correct Answer
A. SceneryExplanation
Scenery refers to the painted backgrounds that depict the location or setting where the story takes place. It helps create a visual representation of the story's environment and provides context for the audience. Scenery is an essential element in stage productions as it helps set the mood and atmosphere, enhances the storytelling, and transports the audience into the world of the play.Rate this question:
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- 35.
Correct or not? I’m playing basketball everyday. I love it.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
The given statement is "I'm playing basketball everyday. I love it." The answer is false because the statement implies that the person is playing basketball every day, but it does not necessarily mean that they love it. The statement only mentions their love for basketball, not their actual daily participation. Therefore, the answer is false as it cannot be determined whether they are actually playing basketball every day.Rate this question:
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- 36.
What ________________ at six o'clock this morning?
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Were you doing
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Did you doing
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Do you do
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Did you
Correct Answer
A. Were you doingExplanation
The correct answer is "were you doing." This is because the question is asking about an action that was happening at a specific time in the past, which requires the past continuous tense. "Were you doing" is the correct form of the past continuous tense to use in this context.Rate this question:
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- 37.
Present simple or Past simple A: ........................ Ian ............................... (like) painting? B: I don't think so.
Correct Answer
Does / like
Does/likeExplanation
Habitual actionRate this question:
- 38.
What kind of tv programms did you ______ to like as a child?
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Use
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Used to
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Used
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Use to
Correct Answer
A. UseExplanation
As a child, the correct phrase to use in this sentence is "used to." This phrase is used to talk about past habits or actions that were regular or repeated in the past but are no longer true in the present. In this context, it implies that the person had a preference for certain types of TV programs in their childhood, but their preferences may have changed as they grew older.Rate this question:
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- 39.
I was talking with the students while Katie _______________ to the parents.
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Was talking
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Talked
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Took
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Were talking
Correct Answer
A. Was talkingExplanation
The correct answer is "was talking" because it is the past continuous tense and indicates that the action of talking was ongoing at a specific point in the past. The sentence suggests that the speaker was engaged in a conversation with the students while Katie was engaged in a separate conversation with the parents.Rate this question:
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- 40.
If you don't pass the exam this time don't ___________. Try again!
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Come in
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Look out
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Go on
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Give up
Correct Answer
A. Give upExplanation
If you don't pass the exam this time, the suggested action is to "give up". This means that you should not give up or lose hope, but rather continue trying and attempt the exam again in the future.Rate this question:
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- 41.
Chinese opera started ___ on the street.
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Over
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Out
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Up
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In
Correct Answer
A. OutExplanation
Chinese opera started out on the street. This means that the opera initially began or originated in the street.Rate this question:
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- 42.
I ___________ really well with my work colleagues. We often meet up for drinks or a meal.
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Get on
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Find out
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Fight back
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Break up
Correct Answer
A. Get onExplanation
The phrase "get on" means to have a good relationship or rapport with someone. In the given context, the person is saying that they have a good relationship with their work colleagues. They often meet up for drinks or a meal, indicating a positive and friendly connection with their colleagues.Rate this question:
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- 43.
Amy ___ the wrong bus home.
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Take
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Found
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Caught
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Made
Correct Answer
A. CaughtExplanation
The word "caught" is the correct answer because it is the most appropriate verb to use in this context. When someone "catches" a bus, it means they successfully boarded the bus and are now traveling on it. In this sentence, it implies that Amy unintentionally boarded the wrong bus and is now on her way home on the incorrect bus. The other options (take, found, made) do not accurately convey the meaning of mistakenly boarding the wrong bus.Rate this question:
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- 44.
Present simple or Past simple Where .......................... you .............................. (go) last weekend?
Correct Answer
did/go
did-go
did-goExplanation
"last weekend" = past time referenceRate this question:
- 45.
Correct or not? A) Do you go out tonight? B) I’m not sure.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
The given answer is "False" because the response "I'm not sure" does not provide a clear indication of whether the person will go out tonight or not. It implies uncertainty rather than a definitive answer.Rate this question:
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- 46.
Mary's plans to travel to Europe ______ at the last minute
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Fell through
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Gave away
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Got away
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Fell out
Correct Answer
A. Fell throughExplanation
The phrase "fell through" means that Mary's plans to travel to Europe did not happen or were cancelled unexpectedly. This phrase implies that there were unforeseen circumstances or obstacles that prevented her from going on the trip. It suggests that Mary's plans were unsuccessful or unsuccessful in the end.Rate this question:
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- 47.
Please fill answer below_______
Correct Answer
N/A - 48.
What _______________________ for breakfast this morning?
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Were you having
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Had you
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Did you have
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Was you having
Correct Answer
A. Did you haveExplanation
The correct answer is "did you have." This is the correct answer because it follows the correct question structure for past simple tense. The question is asking about the subject's breakfast this morning, which is a specific time in the past. Therefore, the auxiliary verb "did" is used to form the question and the main verb "have" is in its base form.Rate this question:
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- 49.
The crow was screaming ______.
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Suddenly
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Impressive
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Excitedly
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Excited
Correct Answer
A. ExcitedlyExplanation
The word "excitedly" is the correct answer because it is an adverb that describes how the crow was screaming. It indicates that the crow was screaming in an enthusiastic or eager manner. The other options, "suddenly," "impressive," and "excited," do not accurately describe the way the crow was screaming.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Feb 28, 2013Quiz Created by
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