Multiple choice

Choose the option which best fits gap 18.

Directions: Fill in the gaps with the most appropriate option.

Ever since  Galileo pointed his homemade optical telescope towards the heavens, astronomers---18--------------------building instruments of increasing power and sophistication ---------19--------------------to observe the universe. Hale telescope on Mount Palamar in Southern California can   detect objects a million times smaller than Galileo’s device -----21--------, they still have their limitations. With the advent of radar technology during World War 2, however, astronomy took a great leap outward. With radio antennas pointing to the night sky, astronomers far -----23-------------------their reach.

  1. had been

  2. have been

  3. are

  4. were

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

The tense is present perfect continuous and as 'astronomers' is plural so 'have been' is the best option. “Ever since … … have been building…”