How To Solve Tenses Questions Quickly

August 31, 2023

How To Solve Tenses

Knowing how to solve Tenses requires one to be adept with the rules used in tenses. Tenses are a category in grammar that helps to identify time and reference of the moment of speaking.

Tenses are particularly demonstrated with various forms of verbs with the help of which time and reference can be determined.

How to solve tenses

How To Solve Tenses Quickly

Rule 1:

The major objective is to have thorough knowledge regarding verbs and their forms as to determine time of action correctly.

  • Simple Tense
  • Continuous Tense
  • Perfect Tense
  • Perfect Continuous

Rule 2: Using s/es with the present tense verbs

Example.

  • Girl walks.
  • Child plays
  • Students study
  • They eat.

Rule 3: Using has / have with subjects

Example:

  • She has completed the work on time
  • He has all the resources to complete the work
  • They have to wait for the bus at the station

Rule 4: Using Past Tense in Clauses

Example.

  • He found out that she was not at home.  
  • She did not know that the doll was lost.
  • They had gone to the market yesterday
  • She told me not to go there but I went anyway.

Rule 5: Future Tense with Principle Clause

If a principle clause takes future tense with it, then subordinate clauses cannot be used in the future tense.
Example.

  • I will call you when lunch is served.
  • You shall sit until she returns.
  • She will come to my place to play with me.
  • We shall be back at out school before sunset

Rule 6: Past Tense Clauses

Example.

  • I wish I had been there when my friend left.
  • If only I knew you would meet me here, I would have brought the card.
  • But what is we went to the playground first and then painted our walls?

Rule 7:

Proper use of tense is required while describing a situation or action taking place at the present but the exact time or moment is not known.
Example.

  • Suzanne is working somewhere in the States. (present tense because she is working)
  • The footballs teams were practicing somewhere in the stadium in the morning. (past tense – were practicing in the morning)
  • She will be coming sometime tomorrow (future tense – will come sometime tomorrow)

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Sample Questions - How To Solve Tenses

There are a number of types in which tenses can be represented. Three types of tenses have been classified in the below-given questions:

How to Solve Tenses – PRESENT TENSE

Question 1.

Identify the tense in the sentence:

Poets have written poems appealing to individuals of all ages.

A.  Simple Past
B.  Simple Present
C.  Present Perfect
D.  Past Continuous

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The sentence contains verb’s third form ‘written’, used with ‘have’ which makes it a present perfect category.

Question 2.

Complete the sentence filling the right tense:

See the sun ___ over the sea.

A.  Setting
B.  Sets
C.  will set
D.  is setting

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: Present continuous tense can be reflected in the theme of sentence where the person is saying to see the sun set over the sea.

Question 3.

Write the correct form of tense for the underlined word:

Riya will coming to visit us from Bangalore.

A.  Is
B.  Shall
C.  Are
D.  Has

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: The sentence talks about Riya coming to visit which reflects present continuous where ‘is’ is the suitable answer.

How to Solve Tenses – PAST TENSE

Question 1.

Identify the tense in the sentence:

Rabindranath Tagore was born in Kolkata.

A.  Past Perfect
B.  Simple Past
C.  Simple Future
D.  Past Continuous

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The sentence uses ‘was’ that reflects past tense.

Question 2.

Complete the sentence filling the right tense:

John fell off the stool when he ___ the wall.

A.  Is painting
B.  Painting
C.  Will paint
D.  Was painting

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: The action has already happened in the sentence (fell off the stairs) where past tense is determined.

Question 3.

Write the correct form of tense for the underlined word:

He found that his cupboard is searched.

A.  Has been
B.  Were
C.  Got
D.  Had been

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: Third form of verb is used (found), where “has been” is the suitable answer among the four.

Also Check Out

Rules for Tenses
Tenses Question and Answers
Shortcuts, Tips and Tricks for Tenses

How to Solve Tenses – FUTURE TENSE

Question 1.

Identify the tense in the sentence:

Stacy would have reached school by time.

A.  Past perfect
B.  Simple Future
C.  Future Perfect
D.  Simple Past

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: “Would have” reflects the future in perfect category.

Question 2.

Complete the sentence filling the right tense:

I ___ visit my grandmother tomorrow.

A.  Am
B.  Shall
C.  Have
D.  Is

Correct Option: B

Explanation: “Tomorrow” determine future where “shall” is the right choice.

Question 3.

Write the correct form of tense for the underlined word:

If I were there, I will have visited my teacher.

A.  Had been
B.  Should have
C.  Will
D.  Would have

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: The first part of the sentence reflects future possibility (if I were), where the correct word used should be “would” instead of “will.”

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