Right Form of Verbs

Choose the best answer from the alternatives.

201. The train left after I (reach) the station.

(a) reached

(b) had reached

(d) reach

Answer: (b) had reached

Explanation: The action "reaching the station" happened before "the train left." In such cases, we use the past perfect tense (had + past participle) to show the earlier action. So, "had reached" is the correct choice.

202. I — working for two hours.

(a) am

(b) had

(d) have been

Answer: (d) have been

Explanation: The present perfect continuous tense (have/has been + verb-ing) is used to describe an action that started in the past and is still continuing. "I have been working for two hours" means the work started two hours ago and is still ongoing.

203. The paper boy — the paper on the desk.

(a) lay

(b) laid

(d) lain

Answer: (b) laid

Explanation: The verb "lay" (past tense: laid) means to put something down. "Lied" means to tell a false statement, and "lain" is the past participle of "lie" (to recline). Since the paper boy is placing something (the paper), "laid" is the correct choice.

204. I don't mind — late, if it will do any good.

(a) to work

(b) working

(d) to have worked

Answer: (b) working

Explanation: After the phrase "don’t mind," we always use the gerund (verb + ing). "I don’t mind working late" is the correct structure. The other options use infinitives, which are incorrect in this case.

205. We did not mind — overtime occasionally.

(a) to work

(b) working

(d) worked

Answer: (b) working

Explanation: Just like the previous question, the verb "mind" is followed by a gerund (working). So "working" is the correct choice.

206. You had better — the law.

(a) obeyed

(b) obeying

(d) obey to

Answer: (c) obey

Explanation: "Had better" is always followed by the base form of the verb (without "to"). "You had better obey the law" is the correct sentence.

207. None of the students — a car.

(a) has

(b) have

(d) own

Answer: (a) has

Explanation: "None" is considered singular when referring to a singular idea, so it takes "has" instead of "have." "None of the students has a car" is grammatically correct.

208. We — yet to decide what action to take.

(a) have

(b) have not been

(d) would

Answer: (c) have not

Explanation: The phrase "yet to decide" is usually preceded by "have not." The correct sentence is "We have not yet decided what action to take."

209. After working all day, you — been tired.

(a) might

(b) must have

(d) must

Answer: (b) must have

Explanation: "Must have" is used to express a strong certainty about a past event. "You must have been tired" means it is very likely that the person was tired.

210. Aslam (to be) ill for about a month.

(a) is

(b) being

(d) has been

Answer: (d) has been

Explanation: The present perfect tense (has/have been) is used to describe an action that started in the past and continues into the present. "Aslam has been ill for about a month" means he became ill a month ago and is still ill.

211. If ruby is heated, it — temporarily lose its colour.

(a) would

(b) will

(d) has

Answer: (b) will

Explanation: In first conditional sentences (if + present simple, will + base verb), "will" is used to show a future result. "If ruby is heated, it will temporarily lose its colour" follows this rule.

212. I (to help) you if I could.

(a) helped

(b) would help

(d) had helped

Answer: (b) would help

Explanation: This is a second conditional sentence (if + past simple, would + base verb). "Could" suggests an unreal situation, so "would help" is the correct verb form.

213. I had two eggs for breakfast and — of them was fresh.

(a) both

(b) not one

(d) either

Answer: (c) neither

Explanation: "Neither" is used when talking about two things in a negative way. The correct sentence is "I had two eggs for breakfast and neither of them was fresh."

214. If teaching — more, fewer teachers would leave the profession.

(a) paid

(b) has paid

(d) is paying

Answer: (a) paid

Explanation: This is a second conditional sentence (if + past simple, would + base verb). "Paid" is the correct past simple form of "pay," making the sentence grammatically correct: "If teaching paid more, fewer teachers would leave the profession."

215. Our team — the best team.

(a) is

(b) are

(d) none

Answer: (a) is

Explanation: "Team" is a singular collective noun, so it takes the singular verb "is." The correct sentence is "Our team is the best team."

216. Neither Rini nor Simi — qualified for the job.

(a) are

(b) had

(d) were

Answer: (c) is

Explanation: "Neither…nor" takes a singular verb because it refers to individual subjects. The correct sentence is "Neither Rini nor Simi is qualified for the job."

217. Bread and butter — my favourite food.

(a) is

(b) are

(d) were

Answer: (a) is

Explanation: "Bread and butter" is treated as a singular phrase when referring to a type of food. The correct sentence is "Bread and butter is my favourite food."

218. He — tennis twice a week.

(a) is playing usually

(b) usually plays

(d) is usually playing

Answer: (b) usually plays

Explanation: The adverb "usually" is placed before the main verb in simple present tense. The correct sentence is "He usually plays tennis twice a week."

219. I've lost one of my gloves. I — it somewhere.

(a) must be dropped

(b) must drop

(d) must have dropped

Answer: (d) must have dropped

Explanation: "Must have + past participle" is used to express certainty about a past event. The correct sentence is "I must have dropped it somewhere."

220. She neither wrote —.

(a) and phoned

(b) nor phoned

(d) but phoned

Answer: (b) nor phoned

Explanation: "Neither" is always paired with "nor" in negative sentences. The correct sentence is "She neither wrote nor phoned."

221. Have you ever (to be) to Cox's Bazar?

(a) Have you ever to be Cox's Bazar?

(b) Have you ever been to Cox's Bazar?

(d) Have you ever been Cox's Bazar?

Answer: (b) Have you ever been to Cox's Bazar?

Explanation: "Been to" is the correct form when asking about visiting a place. "Have you ever been to Cox's Bazar?" is the correct question.

222. I came in when he (to write).

(a) I came in when he was writing

(b) I came in when he is writing

(d) I came in when he has been writing

Answer: (a) I came in when he was writing

Explanation: The past continuous tense (was/were + verb-ing) is used to describe an action that was in progress at a specific time in the past. The correct sentence is "I came in when he was writing."

223. I have no pen (to write) with.

(a) I have no pen to write with

(b) I have no pen to write

(d) I have no pen to write in

Answer: (a) I have no pen to write with

Explanation: The correct structure is "to write with" because "with" is needed to indicate the instrument used. "I have no pen to write with" is the correct sentence.

224. The correct use of the verb has been made in —.

(a) He laid the book on the table.

(b) He lay the book on the table.

(d) He had lain the book on the table.

Answer: (a) He laid the book on the table.

Explanation: "Lay" (past: laid) is a transitive verb that requires an object. "He laid the book on the table" is correct because "book" is the object.

225. I — a new house last year, but I — my old house yet.

(a) have bought, have not sold

(b) bought, have not sold

(d) have bought, will not sell

Answer: (b) bought, have not sold

Explanation: The simple past ("bought") is used for completed actions in the past, and the present perfect ("have not sold") is used for actions that have a connection to the present.

226. Ann — the garage — empty, and so she — off the light.

(a) thinks, is, turns

(b) thought, is, turned

(d) thought, was, will

Answer: (c) thought, was, turned

Explanation: The past simple tense is used to describe completed actions in the past. "Thought" (past of "think"), "was" (past of "is"), and "turned" (past of "turn") match the correct tense sequence.

227. Tom — ill since Christmas.

(a) has

(b) was

(d) have been

Answer: (c) has been

Explanation: The present perfect continuous tense ("has been") is used for an action that started in the past and is still true in the present. "Since Christmas" indicates a specific starting point.

228. Time and tide — for none.

(a) waits

(b) wait

(d) works

Answer: (a) waits

Explanation: "Time and tide" is treated as a singular concept, so the singular verb "waits" is correct. The phrase means that time does not stop for anyone.

229. The club had hoped to — a lac taka before the cricket season began.

(a) have raising

(b) had raised

(d) have raised

Answer: (d) have raised

Explanation: "Have raised" (perfect infinitive) is used because the action of raising money was expected to be completed before the cricket season began.

230. The attendance of the students — poor.

(a) are

(b) were

(d) is

Answer: (c) was

Explanation: "Attendance" is a singular noun, so it takes the singular verb "was." The correct sentence is "The attendance of the students was poor."

231. Travellers — their reservations well in advance if they want to fly during the Christmas holiday.

(a) had better getting

(b) had to get better

(d) had better got

(e) had got the better

Answer: (c) had better get

Explanation: "Had better" is followed by the base form of the verb ("get"). The phrase "had better get" means that making reservations in advance is strongly recommended.

232. Buying clothes — often a very time-consuming practice.

(a) are

(b) was

(d) has

(e) have

Answer: (c) is

Explanation: "Buying clothes" is a gerund phrase, which functions as a singular noun. The correct verb is "is."

233. I have lost one of my gloves. I — it somewhere.

(a) must have dropped

(b) must drop

(d) must have been dropping

(e) must be dropped

Answer: (a) must have dropped

Explanation: "Must have + past participle" expresses a strong assumption about a past event. The correct sentence is "I must have dropped it somewhere."

234. We had better — the chapter carefully.

(a) to review

(b) reviewed

(d) reviewing

(e) review

Answer: (e) review

Explanation: "Had better" is always followed by the base form of the verb, so "review" is the correct choice.

235. I — television a lot, but I don't anymore.

(a) was watching

(b) used to watch

(d) was used to watch

(e) watch

Answer: (b) used to watch

Explanation: "Used to" is used to describe past habits or repeated actions that no longer happen.

236. Tourists — their reservations well in advance if they want to fly during the Eid holidays.

(a) had better get

(b) had better to get

(d) had to get better

(e) none of these

Answer: (a) had better get

Explanation: "Had better" is followed by the base form of the verb, so "get" is correct.

237. But for your help, I would — in my attempt.

(a) fail

(b) not have failed

(d) have failed

(e) none of these

Answer: (d) have failed

Explanation: "But for" means "without," and the correct conditional structure is "would have + past participle."

238. He (go) out just now.

(a) goes

(b) went

(d) is going

Answer: (c) has gone

Explanation: "Just now" indicates an action that has recently happened, which suits the present perfect tense ("has gone").

239. If I — that you were coming, I would have met you at the airport.

(a) knew

(b) would know

(d) had known

Answer: (d) had known

Explanation: This is a third conditional sentence (if + past perfect, would have + past participle).

240. When we arrived at the shop, we noticed that someone — into the place.

(a) had broken

(b) broke

(d) would break

Answer: (a) had broken

Explanation: "Had broken" (past perfect) is used to show that the action happened before another past action ("we arrived").

241. If I — a king, I could help the poor.

(a) was

(b) were

(d) none

Answer: (b) were

Explanation: "Were" is used instead of "was" in hypothetical (unreal) conditions.

242. My friend — before I came.

(a) would be leaving

(b) had been leaving

(d) will leave

Answer: (c) had left

Explanation: The past perfect ("had left") is used to show an action completed before another past action.

243. If I were you I — that dress. It's too expensive.

(a) will not buy

(b) shall not buy

(d) am not going to buy

Answer: (c) would not buy

Explanation: In hypothetical situations, "would" is used in the main clause of second conditional sentences.

244. The rain ceased and the birds — to sing.

(a) begin

(b) are beginning

(d) began

Answer: (d) began

Explanation: "Began" (past simple) is correct because the sentence describes a past event.

245. When Selim Al Deen's play came to town, all the tickets — for in advance.

(a) had been sold out

(b) had sold out

(d) have sold out

Answer: (c) were sold out

Explanation: "Were sold out" (passive past simple) is correct because it describes a completed action.

246. I want — more careful with your homework in future.

(a) you be

(b) that you are

(d) you to be

Answer: (d) you to be

Explanation: "Want" is followed by an object ("you") and the infinitive ("to be").

247. Stay where you are until help —.

(a) arrives

(b) arrived

(d) arriving

Answer: (a) arrives

Explanation: The word "until" introduces a time clause, which should use the present simple tense when referring to the future. In this case, "help" is singular, so the correct verb form is "arrives."

248. People — aeroplanes nowadays.

(a) used to see

(b) were used to seeing

(d) are used to seeing

(e) seeing

Answer: (d) are used to seeing

Explanation: The phrase "be used to" is followed by a noun or gerund (-ing form of a verb). "Nowadays" suggests a present habit, so "are used to seeing" is the correct answer.

249. When I saw the gardener, he — a tree.

(a) has been cutting down

(b) is cutting down

(d) cut down

(e) was cutting down

Answer: (e) was cutting down

Explanation: The past continuous tense ("was cutting down") is used to describe an action that was in progress at a particular time in the past.

250. He — in at eleven o'clock last night.

(a) came

(b) has come

(d) had come

(e) is coming

Answer: (a) came

Explanation: Since "last night" is a specific time in the past, the simple past tense "came" is the correct choice.

251. If I — rich, I would travel around the world.

(a) am

(b) was

(d) have been

(e) had

Answer: (c) were

Explanation: In second conditional sentences, we use "were" instead of "was" to express an unreal or hypothetical situation.

252. Karim had his car — by a mechanic yesterday.

(a) to repair

(b) be repaired

(d) repaired

(e) was repaired

Answer: (d) repaired

Explanation: The structure "have + object + past participle" is used in causative sentences, meaning someone else performed the action for the subject.

253. You — harder. Then you wouldn't have failed the test.

(a) should have studied

(b) must have studied

(d) must study

(e) could study

Answer: (a) should have studied

Explanation: The phrase "should have + past participle" expresses a past regret or missed obligation.

254. You had better — or you will miss the train.

(a) hurried

(b) hurry

(d) been hurried

(e) hurrying

Answer: (b) hurry

Explanation: The phrase "had better" is always followed by the base form of the verb.

255. You — her, it was a secret.

(a) must have told

(b) could have told

(d) might have told

(e) should have told

Answer: (c) shouldn't have told

Explanation: "Shouldn’t have + past participle" is used to express regret or criticism about a past action.

256. He — at home, because the lights were on.

(a) must have been

(b) should have been

(d) couldn't have been

(e) must be

Answer: (a) must have been

Explanation: "Must have + past participle" is used to express certainty about a past event.

257. She — your letter, maybe that's why she hasn't replied.

(a) should have got

(b) should get

(d) might not get

(e) shouldn't get

Answer: (c) might not have got

Explanation: "Might not have + past participle" expresses uncertainty about a past event. The sentence suggests she hasn’t replied because she possibly did not receive the letter.

258. You — to me. Now I'll never believe you again.

(a) wouldn't have lied

(b) can't have lied

(d) mustn't have lied

(e) should have lied

Answer: (c) shouldn't have lied

Explanation: "Shouldn’t have + past participle" is used to express disapproval or regret about a past action. The speaker is upset about being lied to.

259. I don't know how — book it is.

(a) to scream

(b) scream

(d) for screaming

(e) screamed

Answer: None of the given options seem to fit grammatically. The correct phrase should be "I don’t know whose book it is."

260. He — there, because he spent the evening here with me.

(a) may be

(b) can't be

(d) can't have been

(e) couldn't have been

Answer: (d) can't have been

Explanation: "Can’t have + past participle" expresses certainty that something did not happen in the past. Since the person was with the speaker, he could not have been somewhere else.

261. I don't care how much —.

(a) does the car cost

(b) the car costs

(d) did the car cost

(e) had cost the car

Answer: (b) the car costs

Explanation: In statements (not questions), the subject-verb order is normal: "the car costs" instead of "does the car cost."

262. The resolution reiterates the demand — action.

(a) of holding

(b) for holding

(d) on holding

(e) in holding

Answer: (b) for holding

Explanation: The correct preposition after "demand" is "for" when expressing a request for something to happen.

263. We will tell him about it after he —.

(a) had arrived

(b) had come

(d) arrives

Answer: (d) arrives

Explanation: In future time clauses introduced by "after," we use the present simple ("arrives") instead of the future tense.

264. She is considering not (go) there.

(a) going

(b) to

(d) to going

Answer: (a) going

Explanation: The verb "consider" is always followed by a gerund (-ing form).

265. I came in when he (write).

(a) is writing

(b) was writing

(d) has written

Answer: (b) was writing

Explanation: The past continuous tense is used to describe an action that was happening at a specific moment in the past.

266. A bird has to learn (use) its wings.

(a) to use

(b) using

(d) to use to

Answer: (a) to use

Explanation: "Learn" is followed by an infinitive ("to use").

267. She insisted that I (go) with her.

(a) go

(b) should go

(d) would go

Answer: (a) go

Explanation: In formal English, after "insist that," we use the base form (subjunctive mood).

268. The virtuous (be) blessed.

(a) is

(b) are

(d) be

Answer: (b) are

Explanation: "The virtuous" is a plural noun referring to virtuous people.

269. He appears (pass) the examination.

(a) to pass

(b) has passed

(d) passing

Answer: (c) to have passed

Explanation: "Appears" is followed by "to have + past participle" when referring to completed actions.

270. I wish that you (call) every day.

(a) call

(b) will call

(d) called

Answer: (d) called

Explanation: "I wish" is followed by the past simple to express a present unreal situation.

271. I can't help (smoke).

(a) smoke

(b) to smoke

(d) smoking

Answer: (d) smoking

Explanation: "Can't help" is followed by a gerund.

272. Don't let that (bother) you.

(a) to bother

(b) bothers

(d) bothered

Answer: (c) bother

Explanation: After "let," we use the base form of the verb.

273. She (wear) a lovely dress last night.

(a) weared

(b) wore

(d) had wore

Answer: (b) wore

Explanation: "Last night" indicates the past simple, and the correct past form of "wear" is "wore."

274. Many goats are grazing, and a few sheep — sleeping.

(a) is

(b) are

(d) been

(e) was

Answer: (b) are

Explanation: "Sheep" is plural, so we use "are."

275. I cannot help (laugh).

(a) going

(b) went

(d) have laughed

Answer: (c) laughing

Explanation: "Can't help" is followed by a gerund.

276. I let him (go) there.

(a) going

(b) went

(d) go

Answer: (d) go

Explanation: "Let" is followed by the base form of the verb.

277. We — friends since we were children.

(a) has been

(b) being

(d) been

Answer: (c) have been

Explanation: "Since" requires the present perfect ("have been").

278. Select the right word. He ran fast lest he — miss.

(a) can

(b) should

(d) would

Answer: (b) should

Explanation: "Lest" is followed by "should" in formal English.

279. The phone is ringing. It — be Tinna.

(a) would

(b) can

(d) could

Answer: (c) may

Explanation: "May" expresses possibility.

280. I am thinking — a house.

(a) to buy

(b) to be bought

(d) bought

Answer: (c) buying

Explanation: "Think about" is followed by a gerund.

281. He is not to —.

(a) be blamed

(b) blamed

(d) be blamed to

Answer: (a) be blamed

Explanation: "Be to + verb" expresses obligation or expectation.

282. Ahmed — about this issue many times in the past.

(a) has spoken

(b) is speaking

(d) has been speaking

Answer: (a) has spoken

Explanation: "Many times in the past" suggests the present perfect.

283. Rokeya — from her post if she is late again. [CtgU '06-'07]

(a) is dismissed

(b) has been dismissed

(d) is dismissing

(e) will dismissed

Answer: (c) will be dismissed

Explanation: The sentence talks about a future possibility (if she is late again), so we need a future tense structure. "Will be dismissed" is the correct choice because it follows the passive voice structure of future tense: "will be" + past participle (dismissed). Other options either don’t fit the tense or grammatical structure.

284. I can remember — voices in the middle of the night. [CtgU '06-'07]

(a) hear

(b) heard

(d) hearing

(e) was hearing

Answer: (c) will be dismissed

285. Here — note book and report that I promised you last week. [CtgU '06-'07]

(a) is the

(b) are the

(d) has been the

(e) have been the

Answer: (b) are the

Explanation: The subject "notebook and report" is plural, so we use the plural verb "are" instead of singular "is." The correct sentence follows subject-verb agreement rules.

286. I told him everything lest he — misunderstand me. [CtgU '06-'07]

(a) would

(b) could

(d) must

(e) can

Answer: (c) should

Explanation: The phrase "lest" (meaning "to prevent something from happening") is followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood, which is why "should" is used. "Would" or "could" do not fit the grammar rule.

287. She is looking forward to — to London to study law. [CtgU '06-'07]

(a) gone

(b) go

(d) goes

(e) have gone

Answer: (c) going

Explanation: The phrase "look forward to" is always followed by a gerund (-ing form). "Going" is correct, while "go" or "gone" would be incorrect.

288. He seems — his best for the test. [JNU '05-'06]

(a) to trying

(b) to have tried

(d) trying to

Answer: (b) to have tried

Explanation: "Seems" is followed by "to have + past participle" when referring to a completed action in the past. "To have tried" shows that the effort happened before the current moment.

289. I — him long ago. [JNU '05-'06]

(a) see

(b) have saw

(d) have seen

Answer: (c) saw

Explanation: "Long ago" indicates a past event, so the simple past tense "saw" is correct. "Have seen" would require a present connection, which is absent.

290. You had better —. [CtgU '05-'06]

(a) to have your hair cut

(b) to have cut your hair

(d) have your hair cut

(e) to have had your hair cut

Answer: (d) have your hair cut

Explanation: "Had better" is always followed by a bare infinitive (verb without 'to'). The phrase "have your hair cut" is a causative construction.

291. It's no good — me about your lost car. [CtgU '05-'06]

(a) to tell

(b) tell

(d) told

(e) telling

Answer: (e) telling

Explanation: The phrase "It's no good" is followed by a gerund (-ing form), so "telling" is correct.

292. I love listening to classical music, I wish — an instrument. [CtgU '05-'06]

(a) I play

(b) I could play

(d) I might play

(e) I should play

Answer: (b) I could play

Explanation: "Wish" is followed by the past subjunctive (could + verb) when talking about unreal or hypothetical situations.

293. Mary — her homework when we arrived. So we all went out for the evening. [CtgU '05-'06]

(a) has finished

(b) is finishing

(d) had been finished

(e) was finishing

Answer: (c) had finished

Explanation: "Had finished" is past perfect tense, used for actions completed before another past event ("when we arrived").

294. Mr. A : He looks very lonely. — we invite him for a drinks? Mr B: Yes, that's a good idea.

[CtgU '05-'06]

(a) May

(b) Might

(d) Would

(e) Shall

Answer: (e) Shall

Explanation: "Shall" is often used for polite suggestions or offers, making it the best choice.

295. The furniture in this room — anymore. [CtgU '05-'06]

(a) need not polish

(b) don't not need to polish

(d) don't need to polished

(e) does not need to be polished

Answer: (e) does not need to be polished

Explanation: "Furniture" is an uncountable noun (singular), so we use "does not." The correct passive form is "need to be polished" (not "polish").

296. She ought not — him but she died. [CtgU '05-'06]

(a) to have told

(b) to tell

(d) to be told

(e) to have been told

Answer: (a) to have told

Explanation: "Ought not to have + past participle" expresses regret about a past action.

297. In this film, the normal order of events — reversed. [CtgU '05-'06]

(a) am

(b) have been

(d) being

(e) has been

Answer: (e) has been

Explanation: "Has been reversed" is the correct passive form in present perfect tense.

298. I don't think the window — yet. [CtgU '05-'06]

(a) has repaired

(b) has been repairing

(d) has been repaired

(e) to be repaired

Answer: (d) has been repaired

Explanation: "Has been repaired" is the correct passive present perfect form, used for an action that may still be relevant.

299. Who — was coming to see me this morning? [CtgU '05-'06]

(a) you said

(b) did you say

(d) you did say

(e) not given

Answer: (b) did you say

Explanation: "Did you say" is the correct question form.

300. I — lying injured if the searchers had used dogs. [CtgU '05-'06]

(a) should not have been found

(b) wasn't found

(d) wouldn't have found

(e) will be found

Answer: (a) should not have been found

Explanation: "Should not have been found" is the correct past perfect passive construction.

301. She — just a few minutes ago. [CtgU '05-'06]

(a) left

(b) has left

(d) had left

(e) has been leaving

Answer: (a) left

Explanation: "A few minutes ago" refers to a completed action in the past, so we use the simple past tense "left."