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Standard English ConventionsMediumMatching tense in a 'when' sentence

Standard English Conventions practice question

When the alarm sounded, everyone ____ the building calmly.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

  1. A. leftCorrect
  2. B. leaves
  3. C. will leave
  4. D. leaving

Answer: A. left

'sounded' sets the sentence in the past, so the main verb is past too: 'left'.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. leaves
'leaves' is present, clashing with 'sounded'.
C. will leave
'will leave' is future.
D. leaving
'leaving' isn't a complete verb; the clause would have no main verb.

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