Multiple choice

Directions: Fill in the blank with the correct tense of verb from the options given below.

He said that he _____ in the USA for seven years.

  1. have been

  2. had been

  3. has been

  4. can have been

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

When using reported speech with 'said' (past tense), the verb in the subordinate clause must be in the past perfect tense to show it happened before the speaking. 'Had been' correctly indicates the action was completed prior to the past moment of speaking.

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