This set of English Grammar Exercises (MCQs) focuses on “Sequence of Tenses – Auxiliary Verb Tenses and Complex Sentences”.
1. Fill in the blank with the appropriate auxiliary.
They placed directions in order that the conference room _________ be known.
a) may
b) could
c) can
d) might
View Answer
Explanation: The principal clause here is in the past tense. The auxiliary in the subordinate clause also follows past tense.
2. What is the correct auxiliary?
At the end of the marathon, Daisy was so tired that she _________ hardly talk.
a) may
b) can
c) could
d) might
View Answer
Explanation: As per the rule, when the principal clause is in the past tense, the subordinate clause must also follow past tense. The same rule applies here as well.
3. What is the correct alternative?
Since we were applying early, he promised that he ________ give an early reply.
a) should
b) could
c) would
d) must
View Answer
Explanation: Would is the past equivalent of want. Since the principal clause is in the past tense, the subordinate clause follows the same.
4. Choose the correct auxiliary.
In order that she ________ finish the task on time, she worked tirelessly.
a) may
b) might
c) can
d) could
View Answer
Explanation: Here, the subordinate clause is given and it follows the past tense. But the main clause can be in any tense. In order to agree with the sense, the principal clause follows present tense.
5. Which is the correct answer?
We fight that we _________ conquer our fears.
a) might
b) may
c) can
d) shall
View Answer
Explanation: The principal clause in this sentence is in the present tense. The subordinate clause can be in any tense. According to the sense in the sentence here, ‘may’ will be in present tense.
6. Which is the correct tense for the complex sentence?
He sold his car because it __________ old.
a) be
b) is
c) was
d) will be
View Answer
Explanation: The main clause in this sentence is in the past tense. This follows the past follows past rule and hence the subordinate clause is in the past tense.
7. What tense fits best?
I came home as soon as they _______________ the lockdown.
a) declared
b) declare
c) will declare
d) declaring
View Answer
Explanation: This complex sentence has the principal clause in the past tense. And in accordance with the rule, the subordinate clause also follows past tense. “declared” will be the best fit in this situation.
8. Which of the following fits best?
The athletes run once the gun ___________
a) was fired
b) will be fired
c) is firing
d) is fired
View Answer
Explanation: In this complex sentence, it can be observed that the principal clause is in the present tense. The following subordinate clause can be in any tense. To suit the sense of the sentence here,
9. Fill in the correct tense.
The sun will set before I ____________ home.
a) will reach
b) reached
c) reach
d) reaching
View Answer
Explanation: In this case, the main clause is in the future tense. The subordinate clause can follow any tense. According to the sense, it follows future tense here.
10. Choose the correct tense.
I will tell Tom that he _________ mistaken.
a) was
b) is
c) had
d) has
View Answer
Explanation: In the above complex sentence, the principal clause is in the future tense. The subordinate clause follows present tense to suit the sense of the statement. “is “ will be the correct tense for above sentence.
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