Multiple choice

Directions: Supply the correct form of the verb given in bracket.

Before I reached the station, the train (leave).

  1. is leaving

  2. has been leaving

  3. had left

  4. has left
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The sequence of events requires past perfect tense for the earlier action. 'Had left' shows the train's departure occurred before 'I reached' (simple past). This is a classic case of past perfect for the earlier of two past actions. 'Is leaving' is present continuous, 'has been leaving' is present perfect continuous, and 'has left' is present perfect - all incorrect for this sequence.

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