Multiple choice

Directions: Look at the underlined part of the sentence. Below the sentence are given three possible substitutions for the underlined part. If one of the substitutions improves the sentence, indicate it as your answer. If none of the substitutions improves the sentence, indicate (4) as your answer.

For centuries we have been trying to cure the ills of the world.

  1. are trying

  2. were trying

  3. had been trying

  4. No improvement
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Case of present perfect continuous tense. To show the continuity of an event of the past in the present, we use 'has/have been' along with the ' verb+ing'. Thus, option 4.

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