Standard English ConventionsHardVerb tense for a completed past sequence
Standard English Conventions practice question
Once the flood had receded, the volunteers ____ the mud from the school hall and reopened it within a week.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
- A. clearedCorrect
- B. clear
- C. had cleared
- D. clearing
Answer: A. cleared
After the past perfect 'had receded', the main events are simple past: 'cleared … and reopened'.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. clear
- 'Clear' is present.
- C. had cleared
- 'Had cleared' would put the clearing before the flood receded.
- D. clearing
- 'Clearing' leaves no finite verb.
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