Fill in the blanks with appropriate verbs. Remember to observe the rules regarding the sequence of tenses.
1. They sold the house because it ……………….. old.
A past tense in the principal clause is almost always followed by a past tense in the subordinate clause.
2. I found out that he ………………………..
A past tense in the principal clause is almost always followed by a past tense in the subordinate clause.
3. I never thought that I ……………………. see him again.
A past tense in the principal clause is almost always followed by a past tense in the subordinate clause. Would is the past tense form of will.
4. She replied that she ……………………. better.
A past tense in the principal clause is almost always followed by a past tense in the subordinate clause.
5. Whenever we meet, we ……………………… of our school days.
A present or future tense in the principal clause may be followed by any tense required by the sense.
6. He was so tired that he ………………………. barely stand.
A past tense in the principal clause is almost always followed by a past tense in the subordinate clause. Could is the past tense form of can.
7. He asked again whether supper …………………… ready.
A past tense in the principal clause is almost always followed by a past tense in the subordinate clause.
8. He worked hard that he ……………………….. win the first prize.
Might is the past tense form of may. A past tense in the principal clause is almost always followed by a past tense in the subordinate clause.
9. He said that money ……………………… the root cause of all evil.
A past tense in the principal clause may be followed by a present tense in the subordinate clause when the subordinate clause expresses a universal truth.
10. His health has improved since he ……………………… the city.
A present or future tense in the principal clause may be followed by any tense required by the sense.
11. You may come and stay with us whenever you ………………………
A present or future tense in the principal clause may be followed by any tense required by the sense.
12. He rested his horse for it ………………………..
A past tense in the principal clause is almost always followed by a past tense in the subordinate clause.
Answers
1. They sold the house because it was old.
2. I found out that he was lying.
3. I never thought that I would see him again.
4. She replied that she felt better.
5. Whenever we meet, we talk of our school days.
6. He was so tired that he could barely stand.
7. He asked again whether supper was ready.
8. He worked hard that he might win the first prize.
9. He said that money is / was the root cause of all evil.
10. His health has improved since he left the city.
11. You may come and stay with us whenever you want.
12. He rested his horse for it was limping.
