16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardTense with 'since' and a continuing action

Standard English Conventions practice question

The lighthouse keeper's cottage ____ empty since the light was automated in 1988.

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

  1. A. has stoodCorrect
  2. B. stands
  3. C. stood
  4. D. is standing

Answer: A. has stood

A state continuing from a past point to now: present perfect 'has stood'.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. stands
'Stands … since 1988' is not standard.
C. stood
'Stood' is simple past and doesn't reach the present.
D. is standing
'Is standing … since' is not standard.

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