This set of English Grammar Exercises (MCQs) focuses on “Sequence of Tenses – Past Tense”.
1. Past tense in the principal clause can be followed by present tense in the subordinate clause under which of the following cases?
a) When the subordinate clause denotes purpose
b) This case is not possible according to sequence of tenses
c) As required by the sense in the subordinate clause
d) When the subordinate clause states a universal truth
View Answer
Explanation: This is an exception of the past followed by past rule. Past tense in the principal clause can be followed by present tense when the subordinate clause is stating a universal truth.
2. Fill in the correct tense in the blank.
I was not aware of the change in plans until you ____________ me so.
a) tell
b) had told
c) told
d) will tell
View Answer
Explanation: The principal clause in this sentence is in the past tense. The subordinate clause is also meant to be in the past tense in this case. The correct tense for this statement is “told”.
3. What is the correct tense?
He went to find her in every place he ____________ of.
a) could think
b) thought
c) would think
d) will think
View Answer
Explanation: Here, the principal clause is in the past tense. The subordinate clause that follows should also follow past tense as that matches the sense of the sentence. So the correct tense will be “could think”.
4. Choose the correct tense.
Little John ran and hid behind his mother because he ___________ afraid.
a) is
b) was
c) will be
d) being
View Answer
Explanation: The primary clause here is of past tense. The subordinate clause follows the rule in this case and also falls in the past tense. Little John ran and hid behind his mother because he was afraid.
5. Which of the following is the correct tense?
Democritus was the first person to ____________ the term atom.
a) has used
b) will use
c) used
d) use
View Answer
Explanation: As stated by the exception for the past tense rule, the subordinate clause in this case is in the present tense. This is only applicable when the subordinate clause is stating a universal fact.
6. Which of the following fits best?
My mother said that a stitch in time ___________ nine.
a) saving
b) saved
c) saves
d) will save
View Answer
Explanation: This is an exception to the past follows past rule. Since it is a well known fact or saying, the subordinate clause is in the present tense.
7. What form of tense would you use?
Swen liked the chocolate cake better than he ________________ this one.
a) likes
b) liked
c) liking
d) will like
View Answer
Explanation: The main clause is in the past tense but subordinate is in present tense. This is because the subordinate case is introduced by ‘than’ in the sentence.
8. Select the correct tense.
He ate more than he usually _________________
a) will eat
b) had eaten
c) ate
d) eats
View Answer
Explanation: This is another exception case where the principal clause is in the past tense. But the subordinate clause will be in the present tense since it agrees with the sense of the sentence.
9. Choose the correct alternative.
While gambling, he lost more money than he _______________ afford.
a) does
b) can
c) could
d) had
View Answer
Explanation: When the main clause is in the past tense and the subordinate clause is introduced by ‘than’, any tense can be written in the sequence. Only thing to be checked ifs if it agrees with the sense of the sentence.
10. Which of the following is a correct fit?
Jacob stayed at home because he _____________ feeling under the weather.
a) is
b) was
c) will
d) had
View Answer
Explanation: This sentence agrees with the past follows past rule. The main clause is in the past tense and subordinate clause in past tense too. So, “was” will be the best fit for that statement.
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