TIME AND TENSE

“A tense may be defined as the form of a verb which shows the time and the state of an
action”
CLASSIFICATION OF TENSES
Present Past Future
Indefinite Indefinite Indefinite
Continuous Continuous Continuous
Perfect Perfect Perfect
Perfect Continuous Prefect continuous Perfect continuous
HELPING VERBS IN ACTIVE VOICE
Present Past Future
Indefinite Verb + s/es Verb IInd Will / Shall + v Ist
Or Or
verb Ist Did + v Ist
Or
do/does + v Ist
Continuous Is/ Am/Are + v (ing) Was/ were (ing) Will be/ shall be + v (ing)
Perfect Has / have + v IIIrd Had + v IIIrd Will have / shall have +
v IIIrd
Perfect Has been / have been Had been + v (ing) + Will have been / Shall
Continuous + v (ing) + time time have been + v (ing) +
time
HELPING VERBS IN PASSIVE VOICE
Present Past Future
Indefinite Is/ am / are + v IIIrd Was were + v IIIrd Will / Shall + be + v IIIrd
Continuous Is/ Am/Are + being + v Was/ were + being + v No passive
IIIrd IIIrd
Perfect Has / have + been + v Had + been + v IIIrd Will have been / shall
IIIrd have been + v IIIrd
Perfect No passive No passive No passive
Continuous

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Structures
Affirmative: Subject + Helping Verb + Main Verb + Object.
Negative: Subject + Helping Verb + Not + Main Verb + Object
Interrogative: Helping Verb + Subject + Not + Main Verb + Object?
Question Word + Helping Verb + Subject + Not + Main Verb + Object?
Note: “Not” is optional in “Interrogative Sentences”.
Present Indefinite
Affirmative: Subject + Main Verb + Object.
Negative: Subject + Do/Does + Not + Verb (Ist) + Object
Interrogative: Do/Does + Subject + Not + (Ist) + Object?
Question Word + Do/Does + Subject + Not + (Ist) + Object?
Note: “Not” is optional in “Interrogative Sentences”.
It is used for repeated actions, habits, commentary etc.
E.g. Children like to eat chocolate.
They usually take lunch at 8 p.m.
One of them goes to morning walk daily.
Universal truth
E.g. The sun rises in the east
Honey is sweet
The sky is blue
The earth moves round the sun
Two and two make four.
Adverb of frequency: “It is always used in Indefinite”
E.g. Daily, always, usually, never, seldom, hardly, scarcely, rarely, sometimes, often,
sporadically, continually, intermittently, and (every + time)
E.g. Every day, every week, every month etc.
E.g. Usually the commuters of Delhi commute by metro to save time and money.
Generally it rains in many parts of India because of western disturbance
If a sentence starts with “here and there”. We use Present Indefinite with inversion.
E.g. Here comes my bus!
There goes your best friend!
We never use “since or for” in Indefinite or Continuous.
E.g. I know my friend since childhood (W)
I have known my friend since childhood (R)

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Future Arrangements:
E.g., The prime minister goes to the U.S.A. next week.
We celebrate our Republic day on 26th of January.
Present Continuous
Affirmative: Subject + Is/Am/Are+ Verb (ing) + Object.
Negative: Subject + Is/Am/Are + Not + Verb (ing) + Object
Interrogative: Is/Am/Are + Subject + Not + Verb (ing) + Object?
Question Word + Is/Am/Are + Subject + Not + Verb (ing) + Object?
Note: “Not” is optional in “Interrogative Sentences”.
E.g. They are making a fun of everyone in the street.
One of you is not going to play football
Note: We never use “ing” with the following verbs if they are used in their general form.
These verbs are known as “static” verbs.
Mental State And Emotion: Believe, Doubt, Feel, Hate, Imagine, know, like, dislike, love
prefer, realise, recognize, remember, see, suppose, think, understand, want, wish.
Use of Senses: Feel, see, sound, hear, smell, taste etc.
Communicating and Causing reactions: Agree, appear, astonish, deny disagree, impress,
look, mean, please, promise, satisfy seem, surprise etc.
Others: Be, belong, concern, consist, contain, depend, deserve, fit, include, involve, lack,
matter, measure, need, owe, own, possess, weigh (have weight etc.)
E.g. I am believing him unconditionally. (W)
I believe him unconditionally. (R)
One of those film stars is having a good friend following. (W)
One of those film stars has a good friend following. (R)
These words are used to show continuous actions.
E.g. While, at the moment, still, now presently, at present etc.
Present Perfect
Affirmative: Subject + Has/ Have + Verb (IIIrd) + Object.
Negative: Subject + Has/ Have + Not + Verb (IIIrd) + Object
Interrogative: Has/ Have + Subject + Not + Verb (IIIrd) + Object?
Question Word + Has/ Have + Subject + Not + Verb (IIIrd) + Object?
Note: “Not” is optional in “Interrogative Sentences”.
E.g. All the students have submitted their assignments on time.
The number of politicians has shown a good sense of responsibility towards the nation.
Difference between Past Indefinite of Present Perfect.

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 I didn’t read News Paper this morning (the morning is over and I didn’t read)
I haven’t read News Paper this morning ( it is still morning and I might read later)

Exercise:
1. One of them (a)/ has swam (b)/ across the river (c)/ no error (d)
2. All the players (a)/ have practiced (b)/ hard to win. (c)/ no error (d)
3. I _______ a lot this week but I have to get the book completely finished by the end of
this week.
A. Read B. Have read
4. I _______ three lectures today and I still have two more later this afternoon.
A. Have B. Have had
C. Had
Exercise:
5. Remember that after you _______ the contract you won’t be able to change your
mind.
A. Signed B. Have signed
C. Had signed D. Signs
Use of Since:
Since Mr. Modi became Prime Minister of India he has launched many new projects.
Ram was not able to play tennis since he broke his leg.
After expression like it/ this/ that is / will be first, second time + Present Perfect.
It is fourth time I have told you to bring your notebooks.
After expression like it/ this/ that was first, second time + Past Perfect.
It was fourth time I had told you to bring your notebooks.
These words are used in perfect
E.g. Hardly, scarcely, already, lately, of late, yet, recently, so far, before, by the time etc.
E.g. I have just finished the novel.
My friend has not watched any new Hollywood movie lately.

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 Exercise
1. Mohan, a friend of mine ______________ on this project which is a complex one, a
couple of times before
A. Has been working B. Has worked
C. Worked D. Works
2. With their win yesterday, India________ into second place in the list.
A. Have moved B. Moved
C. Have been moving D. Move
3. For hundreds of years the castle ______________ on the hill above the village.
A. Has stood B. Has been standing
C. Stood D. Stands
4. My parents ______ in Delhi all their lives
A. Have lived B. Have been living
C. live D. Lives
Difference between Present Perfect and Present Perfect Continuous
1. If the state verbs are used we use Present Perfect.
2. If result is given we use Present Perfect.
3. If permanent actions are there we use Present Perfect.
4. If we have the answer of how many/ how often we use Present Perfect.
5. If temporary actions are there we use present perfect continuous.
Past Indefinite
Affirmative: Subject + Verb (IInd) + Object.
Negative: Subject + Did + Not + Verb (Ist) + Object
Interrogative: Did + Subject + Not + Verb (Ist) + Object?
Question Word + Did + Subject + Not + Verb (Ist) + Object?
Note: “Not” is optional in “Interrogative Sentences”.
E.g. Gardener watered the plants
He did not consolidate all the companies.
Did one of them catapult her from the car?
We usually use simple past rather than past continuous to talk about repeated actions.
We went to Spain three times last year (don’t we were going)

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 Exercise
1. I _________ to go away this weekend but my boss gave me some work that I had to
finish by Monday.
A. was hoping B. Hoped
C. Hopes
2. I came across Ravi last month. He __________ a lot better than when I last saw him.
A. Was looking B. Looked
C. Looks.
Time Words: yesterday, previous day, that day, ago, late, any point of time in past (in 2010,
1983 etc.), last + time (last week, last month etc.)
E.g. India became free in 1947
A company started its new venture in the capital of India last year.
Rule: [Past Indefinite + time = Present Perfect]
E.g. India faced many invasions since independence. (W)
India has faced many invasions since independence (R)
Rule: If a sentence starts with “it is high time that/ it is about time that, it is good time that,
it is time that” we always use Past Indefinite.
E.g. It is high time that you should start your studies. (W)
It is high time that you started your studies. (R)
Past Continuous
Affirmative: Subject + Was/Were + Verb (ing) + Object.
Negative: Subject + Was/Were + Not + Verb (ing) + Object
Interrogative: Was/Were + Subject + Not + Verb (ing) + Object?
Question Word + Was/Were + Subject + Not + Verb (ing) + Object?
Note: “Not” is optional in “Interrogative Sentences”.
E.g. A number of sales representatives were going on strike.
My friend was writing an essay on democracy
Past Perfect
Affirmative: Subject + Had+ Verb (IIIrd) + Object.
Negative: Subject + Had + Not + Verb (IIIrd) + Object
Interrogative: Had + Subject + Not + Verb (IIIrd) + Object?
Question Word + Had + Subject + Not + Verb (IIIrd) + Object?
Note: “Not” is optional in “Interrogative Sentences”.

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Past Perfect
E.g. The manager had provided task to every employee.
NOTE: if two actions occurred in the past the first finished action will be in Past Perfect and
the second in Past Indefinite.
E.g. John Keats had composed his first ode before his friend provided him a new theme.
As soon as we reached station, the train had left.
Past Perfect
E.g. The manager had provided task to every employee.
NOTE: if two actions occurred in the past the first finished action will be in Past Perfect and
the second in Past Indefinite.
E.g. John Keats had composed his first ode before his friend provided him a new theme.
As soon as we reached station, the train had left.
1. One of those students ___________ his papers to the director until last week.
A. Had submitted B. Submitted
2. Rakesh and Ravi _______ caught any fish from the river since yesterday morning.
A. had not caught b. Did not catch.
3. I __________ Ram and his friend twice by 2 pm yesterday.
A. Called B. Had called
4. We_________ that car for twenty years before it broke down.
A. Have B. Had
C. Had had D. Have had
5. I ___________ in Delhi for ten years when I was a child.
a. Had lived b. Lived
c. live d. Had been living
6. I __________ Ram and his friend twice by 2 pm yesterday.
A. Called B. Had called
7. One of them cannot play football because he _____________.
A. Has broken B. Broke
C. Had broken
8. When I ____________the windows I sat down and had a cup of coffee.
A. Had opened B. Opened
6. I __________ Ram and his friend twice by 2 pm yesterday.
A. Called B. Had called

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B. Difference between Past Indefinite and Past Perfect.
C. When we give an account of a sequence of past events, usually use these events in
chronological order using the simple past. If we want to refer to an event out of order
we use Past Perfect.
D. Order. My friend wrote his letter. He went to play
E. He had went to play before he wrote his letter.
F. He had written his letter before he went to play.
G. Order he moved to the USA, reform started
H. He had moved to the USA before reform started.
I. Reform had started before he moved to the USA
Future Indefinite
Affirmative: Subject + Will/ Shall + Verb (Ist) + Object.
Negative: Subject + Will/ Shall + Not + Verb (Ist) + Object
Interrogative: Will/ Shall + Subject + Not + Verb (Ist) + Object?
Question Word + Will/ Shall + Subject + Not + (Ist) + Object?
Note: “Not” is optional in “Interrogative Sentences”.
E.g. I shall play Holi with my friends tomorrow.
they will work day and night to improve the condition of the country
Note: This tense expresses an action that is to be taken in near future.
Time words: “soon, shortly, in a few moments, tomorrow, next year, next month, next week
etc”
E.g. They will take examination next week.
Future actions are used in “Present Indefinite” if they are certain.
E.g. She arrives from the U.S.A. next month.
The Prime Minister leaves for Japan next week.
Difference Between will and going to
1. Why not come over at the weekend. The children ________ seeing you again.
A. Will enjoy B. Is going to enjoy.
2. The sky has gone really dark. There ___________ a storm.
A. Will be B. Is going to be.
3. The method is quite simple and I am sure it _________familiar to most of you already.
A. Will be B. Is going to be
Future Continuous
Affirmative: Subject + Will/ Shall + Be + Verb (ing) + Object.
Negative: Subject + Will/ Shall + Not + Be + Verb (ing) +Object

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Interrogative: Will/ Shall + Subject + Not + Be + Verb (ing) + Object?
Question Word + Will/ Shall + Subject + Not + Be + Verb (ing) + Object?
Note: “Not” is optional in “Interrogative Sentences”.
Note: This tense is used to express an action that will be in progress with a point of time in
future.
E.g. My friend will be waiting for me in the library when I reach there.
Probably, it will be raining when you reach Patna.
Future Perfect
Affirmative: Subject + will /shall + Have + Been + Verb (IIIrd) + Object.
Negative: Subject + Will/ Shall + Not + Have + Been + Verb (IIIrd) + Object
Interrogative: Will/Shall + Subject + Not + Have +Been + Verb (IIIrd) + Object?
Question Word + Will/Shall + Subject + Not + Have + Been + Verb (IIIrd) + Object?
Note: “Not” is optional in “Interrogative Sentences”.
Note: if two actions are in Future, the preceding action will be completed before the
succeeding action. The first finished action will be in Future Perfect and the remaining
action will be in Present Indefinite.
E.g. He will have cleaned the garden before the visitors come.
Time Words: “Ever, just, already, recently, yet, so far, before, after, by the time, when, since,
for etc.”
E.g. He will have rung up his wife before her arrival.
He will have known her for two years next month.
My friend will have suffered a lot by now since his birth.
Present Perfect Continuous
Affirmative: Subject + Has/ Have + Been + Verb (ing) + Object + (Since/ for with time)
Negative: Subject + Has/ Have + Not + Been + Verb (ing) + Object + (Since/ for with time)
Interrogative: Has/ Have + Subject + Not + Been + Verb (ing) + Object + (Since/ for with time)?
Question Word + Has/ Have + Subject + Not + Been + Verb (ing) + Object + (Since/for with
time)?
Note: “Not” is optional in “Interrogative Sentences”.
Past Perfect Continuous
Affirmative: Subject + Had + Been + Verb (ing) + Object + (Since/ for with time)
Negative: Subject + Had + Not + Been + Verb (ing) + Object + (Since/ for with time)
Interrogative: Had+ Subject + Not + Been + Verb (ing) + Object + (Since/ for with time)?
Question Word + Had + Subject + Not + Been + Verb (ing) + Object + (Since/ for with time)?
Note: “Not” is optional in “Interrogative Sentences”.

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Future Perfect Continuous
Affirmative: Subject + Will/Shall + Have + Been + Verb (ing) + Object + (Since/ for with time)
Negative: Subject + Will/Shall + Not + Have + Been + Verb (ing) + Object + (Since/ for with
time)
Interrogative: Will/Shall + Subject + Not + Have + Been + Verb(ing) + Object +(Since/for with
time)?
Question Word + Will/Shall+ Subject + Not + Have +Been + Verb (ing) + Object + (Since/ for
with time)?
Note: “Not” is optional in “Interrogative Sentences”.
Perfect Continuous (Present/ Past/ Future)
E.g. A number of students have been seeking their career in animation industry for months.
One of those parties has been ruling India since independence.
A friend of mine had been living here since 2010.

Question and Answers

1. I _________ work in the garden when my friend arrived.
A. Had finished. B. Had been finishing.
2. I _______ all the ironing so I started cleaning the window.
A. Had finished B. Had been finishing.
3. I _______ in this hotel twice in 2010.
A. Had stayed B. Had been staying
Rule: [Continuous + Since / For = Perfect Continuous]
E.g. A boy is sitting in the garden and staring at the birds for a long time. (W)
A boy has been sitting in the garden and staring at the birds for a long time (R)
Use of since and for
Since: it is used for point of time or definite time
 Name of days – Monday, Sunday….
 Name of months – January, February ……
 Name of years – 2010. 1987……
 Name of centuries – 16th c.
 Name of festivals – Holi, Deepawali
 Name of seasons – autumn, summer
 Before events – since his arrival, since her marriage.
 Period of life – childhood, adolescence
 Time – 2: 20 pm and 6:00 am etc.
 Date of birth

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  Date of death
 Past indefinite
 Yesterday, the previous day, dawn, noon and, etc.
 Last/ past + time expressing word – since last two days, since past three months, etc.
Use of for: it is used of the span of time of indefinite time.
Days – for two days,
Months – for ten months
Year – for nine years.
For years
For centuries
For months etc.
For + the + last/ past + indefinite time.
The first form Past tense Past participle Present participle
(Ist form) (IInd form) (IIIrd form)
Fall Fell Fallen Falling
Fell Felled Felled Felling
Find Found Found Founding
Found Founded Founded Founding
Wind Wound Wound Winding
Wound Wounded Wounded Wounding
Hang Hanged Hanged Hanging
Hang Hung Hung Hanging
Lie Lied Lied Lying
Lie Lay Lain Lying
Lay Laid Laid Laying

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 TIME AND TENSE
Directions: In the following question, some part of the sentence may have errors. Find out
which part of the sentence has an error and select the appropriate option. If a sentence is
free from error, select no error.
1. The action which will be launched in next two years (A)/ require an additional
investment (B)/ of hundreds of crores (C)/ no error (D)
A. The action which will be launched in next two years
B. require an additional investment
C. of hundreds of crores
D. no error
Answer: B
Solution: Option “B” is the correct answer. Use “requires” in place of “require”. In this
sentence main subject is “the action”. It is singular so we have to use singular verb.
Hence in option “B” is the correct answer use singular verb “requires”.
2. I saw a beautiful and gorgeous girl (A)/ a couple of times (B)/ since May (C)/ no error
(D)
A. I saw a beautiful and gorgeous girl
B. a couple of times
C. since May
D. no error
Answer: A
Solution: Option “A” is the correct answer. Use “have seen” in place of “saw”. “Since”
is a time word it cannot be used in Indefinite or Continuous sentences. See the usages
of “since” below.
E.g. My friend has read many novels since May.
E.g. He has been composing poetry since morning.
3. If one of the candidates choose (A)/ to leave before the examination is over (B)/ allow
him to do so (C)/ no error (D)
A. If one of the candidates choose
B. to leave before the examination is over
C. allow him to do so
D. no error
Answer: A
Solution: Option “A” is the correct answer. Use “Chooses” in place of “choose”. The
subject “one” is singular so we use singular verb. See the examples below.

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 E.g. One of the players has started the practice.
Hence option “A” is the correct answer.
3. His comments came after the research (A)/ group said that its consumer confidence
index were (B)/ slumped to its lowest level (C)/ no error (D)
A. His comments came after the
B. research group said that its consumer confidence index were
C. slumped to its lowest level
D. no error
Answer: B
Solution: Option “B” is the correct answer. Use “was” in place of “were”. The subject of
the second sentence is index. It is a singular noun. Hence, we should use singular verb.
4. In spite of the best governmental efforts (A)/ the emission of greenhouse gases (B)/
and noxious chemicals remain a cause of worry (C)/ no error (D)
A. In spite of the best governmental efforts
B. the emission of greenhouse gases
C. and noxious chemicals remain a cause of worry
D. no error
Answer: C
Solution: Option “C” is the correct answer. Use “remains” in place of “remain”. Here the
subject “emission” is singular so use singular verb. Hence in part “C” use singular verb.
5. Many people believe that the nationalization of banks in (A)/ the 1960s have
protected India (B)/ from the current financial crisis (C)/ no error (D)
A. Many people believe that the nationalization of banks in
B. the 1960s have protected India
C. from the current financial crisis
D. no error
Answer: B
Solution: Option “B” is the correct answer. Use “has” in place of “have”. Here the
subject of the sentence “nationalization” is singular. Hence, we use singular verb.
7. Keeping in mind that India (A)/ is one of the world’s fastest growing economies many
international (B)/ companies are investment in India (C)/ no error (D)
A. Keeping in mind that India
B. is one of the world’s fastest growing economies many international
C. companies are investment in India
D. no error

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 Answer: C
Solution: Option “C” is the correct answer. Use “are investing” in place of “are
investment”. Sentence shows the structure of Present continuous so we should use (v +
ing) after helping verbs [is/am/are/was and were]
E.g. One of them has been composing poetry.
He was looking forward to being a good man.
8. After joining the Hong Kong based (A)/ bank in 2018, he has (B)/ head various
departments including corporate and national banking (C)/ no error (D)
A. After joining the Hong Kong based
B. bank in 2018, he has
C. head various departments including corporate and national banking
D. no error
Answer: C
Solution: Option “C” is the correct answer. Use “headed” in place of “head”. We always
use third form of the verb (past participle) after “has/have and had”
E.g. He has done wonders.
They had cleaned the garden.
9. Another baffling change (A)/ that I noticed in him now a days (B)/ is that he avoids
speaking to me (C)/ no error (D)
A. Another baffling change
B. that I noticed in him now a days
C. is that he avoids speaking to me
D. no error
Answer: C
Solution: Option “C” is the correct answer. Use “is avoiding” in place of “avoids”. Here
structure shows temporary or short span of time of action so use Present Continuous.
“Now a days” also suggests temporary idea.
E.g. He is working with an M.N.C. now a days.
10. The perpetrators (A)/ of the Pulwama CISF attack has to face consequences (B)/ says
the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi (C)/ no error (D)
A. The perpetrators
B. of the Pulwama CISF attack has to face consequences
C. says the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi
D. no error
Answer: B

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 Solution: Option “B” is the correct answer. Use “have” in place of “has”. Here the
subject of the sentence “perpetrators” is plural so use plural verb. We use singular
subject with singular verb and plural subject with plural verb.
11. India has faced many attacks from the side of (A)/ Pakistan since India became free
(B)/ the attack of Pulwama is the latest example (C)/ no error (D)
A. India has faced many attacks from the side of
B. Pakistan since India became free
C. the attack of Pulwama is the latest example
D. no error
Answer: D
Solution: The given sentence is correct.
12. British Council one of the famous libraries in India is providing (A)/ many English
improvement programmes (B)/ since my childhood (C)/ no error (D)
A. British Council one of the famous libraries in India is providing
B. many English improvement programmes
C. since my childhood
D. no error
Answer: A
Solution: Option “A” is the correct answer. Use “has been providing” in place of “is
providing”. “Since” is a time word that is not used in Indefinite or Continuous sentences.
“Since and for” are used in Perfect and Perfect Continuous only. See the examples below
E.g. Children are playing in the garden for two hours. (W)
Children have been playing in the garden for two hours (R)
13. Water contamination has become (A)/ more serious (B)/ since chemists have begun
to use new substances (C)/ no error (D)
A. Water contamination has become
B. more serious
C. since chemists have begun to use new substances
D. no error
Answer: C
Solution: Option “C” is the correct answer. Use “began” in place of “have begun”. Never
use Present Perfect after “since”. We always use Past Indefinite after “since”. It shows
point of time so always use Past Indefinite after it.
E.g. I have lived in this city since there occurred a riot.

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14. Even fools when he holdeth (A)/ his peace (B)/ is counted wise (C)/ no error (D)
A. Even fools when he holdeth B. his peace
C. is counted wise D. no error
Answer: A
Solution: Option “A” is the correct answer. Use “fool” in place of “fools”. Here in part
“A” he shows that subject should be singular and in part “B” ‘his’ suggests that subject
should be singular and at last in “C” “is” also suggests the same idea that subject should
be singular so we should use “fool”.
15. They have been owning (A)/ this property (B)/ for the last twenty years (C)/ no error
(D)
A. They have been owning B. this property
C. for the last twenty years D. no error
Answer: A
Solution: Option “A” is the correct answer. Use “have owned” in place of “have been
owning”. We never use “ing” (Present Participle) with the following verbs because these
verbs are known as “static”.
Eg. [Touch, taste, smell, see, hear, appear, look, understand, forget, believe, have and
own]
E.g. Roses are smelling sweet. (W)
Roses smell sweet (R)
16. Last week (A)/ I had met (B)/ him twice (C)/ no error(D)
A. Last week B. I had met
C. him twice D. no error
Answer: B
Solution: Option “B” is the correct answer. Use “met” in place of “had met”. We always
use Past Indefinite after the following time words.
E.g. Yesterday, previous day, that day and ego etc.
[last + time]
Last week.
Last month
Last year etc.
17. I do not believe how (A)/ one of you has meet him (B)/ despite stern security (C)/ no
error (D)
A. I do not believe how B. one of you has meet him
C. despite stern security D. no error
Answer: B
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 Solution: Option “B” is the correct answer. Use “met” in place of “meet”. We always us
third form of the verb after “has/ have and had”. See the examples below.
E.g. I have cleaned this room.
They had taken their lunch.
18. When I met her (A)/ last year she was married (B)/ for three years (C)/ no error (D)
A. When I met her
B. last year she was married
C. for three years
D. no error
Answer: B
Solution: Option “B” is the correct answer. Use “had been married” in place of “was
married”. We always use Perfect if “since and for” are used as time words or time
prepositions in a sentence. The given structure is in the Past. Hence Past Perfect is the
correct answer. See the example below.
E.g. Gardener had watered the plants before the owner came.
19. How long will (A)/ you know Ritu (B)/ for her next birthday (C)/ no error (D)
A. How long will B. you know Ritu
C. for her next birthday D. no error
Answer: B
Solution: Option “B” is the correct answer. Use “you have known” in place of “you
know”. We always use Perfect with the time prepositions like “since and for”. The given
sentence is in future indefinite change it into Future Perfect.
20. She left the hospital in 2010 (A)/ and I did not see (B)/ her since (C)/ no error (D)
A. She left the hospital in 2010 B. and I did not see
C. her since D. no error
Answer: B
Solution: Option “B” is the correct answer. Use “have not seen” in place of “did not see”.
We always use Past Indefinite after “since” and the remaining sentence will be in
Present Perfect. See the example below.
E.g. I have not purchased any new article since I shifted to Delhi.

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Directions: Improve the bracketed part of the sentence, if the given sentence is correct mark
the answer as no improvement.
21. With its overall popularity sliding, (the party will have been working hard) to bring in
the next generation of leaders.
A. the party will have to work hard B. the party will have to hardly work
C. the party will have to work hardly D. No improvement
Answer: A
Solution: Option “A” is the correct improvement. The bracket part is incorrect. This
sentence is in Future Perfect Continuous which is used with time but time is not given
in this sentence. Option “B” is incorrect the use of “hardly” is not appropriate. Option
“C” is also incorrect because of “hardly” this word does not satisfy the context of the
given structure. Hence option “A” is the correct answer.
22. The state has (decline to negotiate) any more trade-offs on this proposal or accept
calls for stringent transparency requirements.
A. declined to negotiation B. declined to negotiating
C. declined to negotiate D. No improvement
Answer: C
Solution: Option “C” is the correct improvement. The bracket part is incorrect because
we always use [has/ have/ had + V IIIrd]. Option “A” is incorrect because of “negotiation”
this word does not satisfy the context of the given structure. Option “B” is also incorrect
because of “negotiating”. We never use [verb + ing] after “to”. It is called infinitive.
E.g. I have submitted all the documents to the clerk.
23. The purpose of speaking is to communicate, (I chose words that are the best) for the
idea I want to convey.
A. I am choosing words that were the best B. I did choose words that are the best
C. I choose words that are the best D. No improvement
Answer: C
Solution: Option “C” is the correct improvement. The bracket part is incorrect because
“chose” is in the past and “are” is in the Present. Both sentences should be in the Past
or Present. Option “A” is incorrect because of time clauses. Option “B” is also incorrect
because of time clause.
24. One to spearhead this campaign is an IT professional, known for (having working) on
net neutrality and founded Internet Freedom Foundation.
A. having work B. have working
C. having worked D. No improvement
Answer: C

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 Solution: Option “C” is the correct improvement. We always use third form of the verb
after “having”. Hence option “C” is the correct answer. See the examples below.
E.g. Having finished his homework, he went to play billiards.
25. She dithered every time she (make) a decision.
A. makes B. had to make
C. will make D. No improvement
Answer: B
Solution: Option “B” is the correct improvement. The bracket part in the given sentence
is incorrect because subject “she” is singular and verb “make” is plural. Option “A” may
be the correct answer because of singular subject but the “dithered” is in the mains
clause is in the past. Hence the correct verb should be in the past, and the answer will
be “had to make”.
26. She emanated ebullience as she (learn) about her first rank in the exam.
A. learnt B. learning
C. had learn D. No improvement
Answer: A
Solution: Option “A” is the correct improvement. The bracket part is incorrect because
subject “she” is singular and verb “learn” is plural. Option “B” is incorrect because
“learning’ does not create any grammatical structure here. Option “C” is also incorrect
because we always use third form of the verb after “had”. Hence option “A” is the
correct answer.
27. The unpleasant feeling (passes) and she glanced guardedly up at him.
A. passing B. has passed
C. passed D. No improvement
Answer: C
Solution: Option “C” is the correct improvement. The bracket part is wrong because the
verb after “and” is in Past so the answer should be in Past. Option “A” is incorrect
because “passing” does not provide any contextual meaning. Option “B” is incorrect
because “has” is in Present. Hence Option “C” is the correct answer.
28. Affirmations are positive statements that (describes) a desired situation or goal and
are often repeated, in order to get them impressed on the subconscious mind.
A. describing B. describe
C. is describing D. No improvement
Answer: B
Solution: Option “B” is the correct improvement. The bracket part is wrong because
Relative Pronoun “that” is used for “statements” which is plural so the verb after

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 Relative Pronoun should be plural. Option “A” is incorrect because it does not give
proper contextual grammar. Option “C” is incorrect because verb “is” is singular there.
29. Through the practice of repeated affirmations, we can make great progress on our
chosen path and (increasing) our magnetism to succeed in anything.
A. increased B. have increased
C. increase D. No improvement
Answer: C
Solution: Option “C” is the correct improvement. The bracket part is incorrect because
we use bare infinitive after modals. Option “A” is incorrect because “increased” is
second form of the verb which cannot be used after modals. Option “B” is also incorrect
because of “have”. Hence Option “C” is correct.
30. A beautiful landscape, full of green vegetation, will not just attract our attention but
(fill us) with infinite satisfaction.
A. will fill us B. filled us
C. fill them D. No improvement
Answer: A
Solution: Option “A” is the correct improvement. The bracket part is incorrect because
verb “fill” does not satisfy the meaning of the sentence. Option “B” is incorrect because
it is in Past. Option “C” is incorrect because of pronoun “them”. Hence option “A” is the
correct answer.
31. The granaries of India are trapped in a dangerous vicious cycle of input use, where
increased dumping of fertiliser in the wrong combinations (has rendered) the soil
incapable of regenerating itself, which in turn escalates input use.
A. have rendered B. is rendered
C. had render D. No improvement
Answer: D
Solution: the given sentence incorrect.
32. This idea of the impossible (became) even more relevant when we come to the
individual, who might consider certain accomplishments impossible without realising
that with persistent effort and determination they could be achieved.
A. becoming B. becomes
C. was became D. No improvement
Answer: B
Solution: Option “B” is the correct improvement. The given bracket part is wrong
because we have used Present verb after when so the both sentence should be in the
same time. Option “A” is incorrect because “becoming” does not suit according to the

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 context. Option “C” in also incorrect because it is written in Past. Hence Option “B” is
the correct answer.
33. Although he is a reputed speaker today his (speech were irrational) and full of
ambiguities
A. speeches was irrational B. speech was irrational
C. speech were irrationals D. no improvement
Answer: B
Solution: Option “B” is the correct improvement. The bracket part is incorrect because
subject “speech” is singular and verb “were” is plural. Option “A” is incorrect because
subject and verb do not agree to each other. Option “C” is also incorrect because of the
same problem. Hence option “B” is correct answer.
34. Rakesh, an avid football player who captained his team in school and college, (will
inaugurate) the match tomorrow in Pune
A. is inauguration B. will inaugurating
C. is inaugurating D. no improvement
Answer: C
Solution: Option “C” is the correct improvement. The bracket part is incorrect. If any
fixed idea or plan is mentioned it should be in Present. Option “A” is incorrect because
of “inauguration”. Option “B” is incorrect because of “will”. Hence option “C” is the
correct answer.
E.g. I am going to Delhi tomorrow (this is a future plan in present)
35. Although scared of heights, she (gather all her courage) and stood atop of the twenty-
four story building to participate in the activities.
A. gathered all her courage B. gathered all courageous
C. is gathered all courageous D. no improvement
Answer: A
Solution: Option “A” is the correct improvement. The bracket part is incorrect. In the
latter part of the sentence after “and” we have used second form of the verb so verb
should be in Past. Option “B” is incorrect because of the word “courageous” it does not
satisfy the context. Option “C” is in the passive voice, so it is incorrect.
36. One of the most influential business men donated his entire wealth to an orphanage
in Delhi since he did not (have a children) of his own.
A. Have any children B. Have any child
C. Has a child. D. No improvement
Answer: B
Solution: Option “B” is the correct improvement. The bracket part is incorrect because
we have used article “a” before plural countable noun “children”. Option “A” is incorrect
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 because “children” is plural and it does not satisfy the context. Option “C” is incorrect
because we never use “has” singular form of the verb after “did”. Hence, option “B” is
the correct answer.
37. He refused to sign till, he (would read) the text of the agreement
A. had read B. would have read
C. Should be reading D. No Improvement
Answer: A
Solution: Option “A” is the correct improvement. The bracket part is incorrect. In this
sentence the first finished action will be in Past Perfect and the second action in Past
Indefinite. Hence option “A” is the only improvement. For explanation see the example
below.
E.g. He had cleaned the room before his father came.
38. When I (go) to Paris, I shall visit the Eiffel Tower.
A. shall go B. will be going
C. have to go D. no improvement
Answer: D
Solution: The given sentence is correct.
39. It has been a long since I last (seen) you.
A. has seen B. saw
C. see D. no improvement
Answer: B
Solution: Option “B” is the correct improvement. We always use Past Indefinite after
since and the remaining clause is in Perfect. For the further explanation see the example
below.
E.g. I have not read any novel since I bought “A Monk Who Sold His Ferrari”
40. You are what you (have eaten).
A. will eat B. eat
C. shall eat D. no improvement
Answer: B
Solution: Option “B” is the correct improvement. Here we have discussed the habit of a
man and all the habits and daily schedules are discussed in Present Indefinite. See the
example below.
E.g. Children love to eat chocolate.

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