Standard English ConventionsHardPast perfect for the earlier of two past events
Standard English Conventions practice question
By the time the rescue team reached the hut, the storm ____ the roof clean off.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
- A. had tornCorrect
- B. tears
- C. has torn
- D. tearing
Answer: A. had torn
The roof was gone before the team arrived: past perfect.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. tears
- Present tense clashes with 'reached'.
- C. has torn
- Present perfect doesn't sit before a past event.
- D. tearing
- 'Tearing' leaves no finite verb.
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