1. We couldn't open the front door because
- a) it had snowed all night.
- b) it snowed all night.
Answer: a) it had snowed all night.
Explanation: The past perfect tense ("had snowed") is used to indicate that the action of snowing happened before the action of not being able to open the front door.
2. It was a lovely spring day and the birds
- a) sang
- b) were singing
Answer: a) sang
Explanation: "Sang" is the simple past tense and it indicates a completed action in the past. As the sentence does not provide any information about the duration or ongoing nature of the bird's singing, the simple past tense is appropriate.
3. I looked out of the window and noticed that
- a) it had stopped raining
- b) it was stopping raining
Answer: a) it had stopped raining
Explanation: The past perfect tense ("had stopped") is used to indicate that the action of stopping raining happened before the action of noticing. It suggests that at the time of noticing, the rain had already stopped.
4. The plants died because we
- a) were forgetting to water them.
- b) forgot to water them.
Answer: b) forgot to water them.
Explanation: The simple past tense ("forgot") is used to indicate a past action that is not ongoing. The sentence suggests that the plants died as a result of the failure to water them in the past, not because of an ongoing action of forgetting to water them.
5. Before I left the house,
- a) locked all the windows
- b) was locking all the windows
Answer: a) locked all the windows
Explanation: The simple past tense ("locked") is used to indicate a completed action in the past. The sentence implies that before leaving the house, all the windows were locked at one point in time.
6. I wasn't particularly hungry because
- a) I'd already had lunch.
- b) I already had lunch.
Answer: a) I'd already had lunch.
Explanation: The past perfect tense ("I'd already had") is used to indicate an action completed before a certain point in the past. The sentence suggests that having lunch already happened before the feeling of not being particularly hungry.
1 After his divorce, Alan became withdrawn and convinced that he no longer wanted to interact with others. The experience of going through a divorce may have made him feel emotionally detached and uninterested in socializing.
2 The initial stage of any project is always the hardest because it involves setting the foundation and determining the direction in which the project will go. This is when the most planning and decision-making takes place, and it can be overwhelming to start from scratch.
3 Sam was enraged when he found out that his car had been scratched by children. He was extremely angry and felt a strong sense of anger and frustration towards those responsible.
4 To deal with a problem effectively, you have to understand its underlying causes. It's important to identify the root or main reasons behind the problem in order to develop a comprehensive solution.
5 He was certain of her innocence, meaning that he strongly believed that she was not guilty of any wrongdoing or fault. He had no doubts about her innocence.
6 Ethan was in severe pain and had to be urgently taken to the nearest hospital. The pain he experienced was intense and serious, requiring immediate medical attention.
7 Jonathan used to be extremely skinny, but now he has put on weight and looks healthier. He was very thin before, but now he has gained weight, which has improved his overall appearance and well-being.
8 Laura was lively, full of life, and cheerful. She had a vibrant personality and exuded energy and enthusiasm.
9 There is an urgent need for food and medicines in underdeveloped countries. The need for these essential resources is immediate and cannot be delayed. Without proper access to food and medicines, the health and well-being of the people in these countries are at risk.
10 Irene's voice sounded distorted over the phone. It was not clear or natural, possibly due to a poor connection or interference. The sound of her voice was altered or changed in some way.
11 His dynamic personality is his greatest asset. He possesses an energetic and influential personality that allows him to stand out and make a strong impact on others.
12 I had a dreadful dream last night. The dream was horrifying or causing great fear or distress. It deeply affected the person who had the dream and left them with a strong negative feeling.
- a) it had snowed all night.
- b) it snowed all night.
Answer: a) it had snowed all night.
Explanation: The past perfect tense ("had snowed") is used to indicate that the action of snowing happened before the action of not being able to open the front door.
2. It was a lovely spring day and the birds
- a) sang
- b) were singing
Answer: a) sang
Explanation: "Sang" is the simple past tense and it indicates a completed action in the past. As the sentence does not provide any information about the duration or ongoing nature of the bird's singing, the simple past tense is appropriate.
3. I looked out of the window and noticed that
- a) it had stopped raining
- b) it was stopping raining
Answer: a) it had stopped raining
Explanation: The past perfect tense ("had stopped") is used to indicate that the action of stopping raining happened before the action of noticing. It suggests that at the time of noticing, the rain had already stopped.
4. The plants died because we
- a) were forgetting to water them.
- b) forgot to water them.
Answer: b) forgot to water them.
Explanation: The simple past tense ("forgot") is used to indicate a past action that is not ongoing. The sentence suggests that the plants died as a result of the failure to water them in the past, not because of an ongoing action of forgetting to water them.
5. Before I left the house,
- a) locked all the windows
- b) was locking all the windows
Answer: a) locked all the windows
Explanation: The simple past tense ("locked") is used to indicate a completed action in the past. The sentence implies that before leaving the house, all the windows were locked at one point in time.
6. I wasn't particularly hungry because
- a) I'd already had lunch.
- b) I already had lunch.
Answer: a) I'd already had lunch.
Explanation: The past perfect tense ("I'd already had") is used to indicate an action completed before a certain point in the past. The sentence suggests that having lunch already happened before the feeling of not being particularly hungry.