Multiple choice

Directions: Look at the italic part of the sentence. Three possible substitutions (1), (2) and (3) for the italic part are given. If one of them is better than the italic part, mark it as the answer. If any of the substitution doesn't improve the sentence, mark (4).

When he got off the train, he realized that a large gathering of his admirers was waiting for his arrival for a long time.

  1. had been waiting

  2. is waiting

  3. were waiting

  4. no improvement needed
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Past perfect continuous 'had been waiting' is needed because the waiting action started in the past and continued up to another past moment (when he got off the train). Simple past 'was waiting' doesn't capture this duration before the past event.

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