GRAMMAR EXAMINATION III: Verb Tenses, Modals, and Conditionals

I . V E R B T E N SE S

Correct the following sentences, which contain errors in the use of tenses.

1. The class officers canceled the party after I made all the arrangements for it.
2. Debbie based her decision on the proverb that honesty was the best policy.
3. By the time I graduate, my sister will be practicing law for five years.
4. If you would have been here earlier, you would have met Maria.
5. When the police finally arrived, the thief already vanished with the loot.
6. Listening to the committee argue for two hours, we finally left.
7. I should have liked to have seen the races.
8. In the afternoon, gardeners trimmed the trees which they cut in the morning.
9. We did not wish to have become involved in any scandal.
10. If I knew your address, I would have written to you.
11. I had hoped to have been a successful writer.
12. Receiving a four-year, all-expense scholarship, Nina did not work during the summers.
13. They were hocked to have learned that a diamond was merely a form of carbon.
14. If the team won, we would have celebrated.
15. By Saturday, I will be working here three weeks.

Using the words in parentheses, complete the text below with either the simple present or present continuous

A Trekking Journal
November 12, 1997

Today (be) ______ the second day of my trek around Mount Annapurna. I am exhausted and my legs (shake) ______ ; I just hope I am able to
complete the trek. My feet (kill, really) ______ me and my toes (bleed) ______ , but I (want, still) ______ to continue.

Nepal is a fascinating country, but I have a great deal to learn. Everything (be) ______ so different, and I (try) ______ to adapt to the new way of
life here. I (learn) ______ a little bit of the language to make communication easier; unfortunately, I (learn, not) ______ foreign languages
quickly. Although I (understand, not) ______ much yet, I believe that I (improve, gradually) ______ .

I (travel, currently) ______ with Liam, a student from Leeds University in England. He (be) ______ a nice guy, but impatient. He (walk, always)
______ ahead of me and (complain) ______ that I am too slow. I (do) ______ my best to keep up with him, but he is younger and stronger than
I am. Maybe, I am just feeling sorry for myself because I am getting old.

Right now, Liam (sit) ______ with the owner of the inn. They (discuss) ______ the differences between life in England and life in Nepal. I (know,
not) ______ the real name of the owner, but everybody (call, just) ______ him Tam. Tam (speak) ______ English very well and he (try) ______
to teach Liam some words in Nepali. Every time Tam (say) ______ a new word, Liam (try) ______ to repeat it. Unfortunately, Liam (seem, also)
______ to have difficulty learning foreign languages. I just hope we don't get lost and have to ask for directions.

Using the words in parentheses, complete the text below with either the simple past or past continuous

1. The Titanic (cross) ______ the Atlantic when it (strike) an iceberg.

2. When I entered the bazaar, a couple of merchants (bargain, busily) ______ and (try) ______ to sell their goods to naive tourists who (hunt)
______ for souvenirs. Some young boys (lead) ______ their donkeys through the narrow streets on their way home. A couple of men (argue)
______ over the price of a leather belt. I (walk) ______ over to a man who (sell) ______ fruit and (buy) ______ a banana.
3. The firemen (rescue) ______ the old woman who (be) ______ trapped on the third floor of the burning building.
4. She was so annoying! She (leave, always) ______ her dirty dishes in the sink. I think she (expect, actually) ______ me to do them for her.
5. Samantha (live) ______ in Berlin for more than two years. In fact, she (live) ______ there when the Berlin Wall came down.

Last night, while I was doing my homework, Angela (call) ______ . She said she (call) ______ me on her cell phone from her biology classroom at
UCLA. I asked her if she (wait) ______ for class, but she said that the professor was at the front of the hall lecturing while she (talk) ______ to
me. I couldn't believe she (make) ______ a phone call during the lecture. I asked what was going on.

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GRAMMAR EXAMINATION III: Verb Tenses, Modals, and Conditionals

She said her biology professor was so boring that several of the students (sleep, actually) ______ in class. Some of the students (talk) ______
about their plans for the weekend and the student next to her (draw) ______ a picture of a horse. When Angela (tell) ______ me she was not
satisfied with the class, I (mention) ______ that my biology professor was quite good and (suggest) ______ that she switch to my class.

While we were talking, I (hear) ______ her professor yell, "Miss, are you making a phone call?" Suddenly, the line went dead. I (hang) ______ up
the phone and went to the kitchen to make dinner. As I (cut) ______ vegetables for a salad, the phone rang once again. It (be) ______ Angela,
but this time she wasn't sitting in class.

Using the words in parentheses, complete the text below with either the simple past or present perfect

1. In the last hundred years, traveling (become) ______ much easier and very comfortable. In the 19th century, it (take) ______ two or three
months to cross North America by covered wagon. The trip (be) ______ very rough and often dangerous. Things (change) ______ a great deal
in the last hundred and fifty years. Now you can fly from New York to Los Angeles in a matter of hours.
2. Jonny, I can't believe how much you (change) ______ since the last time I (see) ______ you. You (grow) ______ at least a foot!
3. This tree (be) ______ planted by the settlers who (found) ______ our city over four hundred years ago.
4. This mountain (be, never) ______ climbed by anyone. Several mountaineers (try) ______ to reach the top, but nobody (succeed, ever)
______ . The climb is extremely difficult and many people (die) ______ trying to reach the summit.
5. I (visit, never) ______ Africa, but I (travel) ______ to South America several times. The last time I (go) ______ to South America, I (visit)
______ Brazil and Peru. I (spend) ______ two weeks in the Amazon, (hike) ______ for a week near Machu Picchu, and (fly) ______ over the
Nazca Lines.

Since computers were first introduced to the public in the early 1980's, technology (change) ______ a great deal. The first computers (be) ______
simple machines designed for basic tasks. They (have, not) ______ much memory and they (be, not) ______ very powerful. Early computers were
often quite expensive and customers often (pay) ______ thousands of dollars for machines which actually (do) ______ very little. Most computers
(be) ______ separate, individual machines used mostly as expensive typewriters or for playing games.

Times (change) ______ . Computers (become) ______ powerful machines with very practical applications. Programmers (create) ______ a large
selection of useful programs which do everything from teaching foreign languages to bookkeeping. We are still playing video games, but today's
games (become) ______ faster, more exciting interactive adventures. Many computer users (get, also) ______ on the Internet and (begin) ______
communicating with other computer users around the world. We (start______) to create international communities online. In short, the simple,
individual machines of the past (evolve) ______ into an international World Wide Web of

CORRECT THE TENSE ERRORS IN THIS ESSAY

In recent years there have been a vast increase in the number of students choosing to study abroad. This was partly because people have been
more affluent and partly due to the variety of grants and scholarships which has been available for overseas students nowadays. Although foreign
study were not something which every student would choose, it is being an attractive option for many people.

Studying overseas had a number of advantages. Firstly, it may give students access to knowledge and facilities such as laboratories and libraries
which have not been available in their home country. Furthermore, by look abroad students may find a wider range of courses than those offering
in their country’s universities, and therefore one which fits more closely to their particular requirements.

On the other hand, studying abroad have a number of drawbacks. These may been divided into personal and professional. Firstly students has to
left their family and friends for a long period. Moreover study abroad is almost always more expensive that studying in one’s local university.
Finally, students often had to study in a foreign language, which may limiting their performance and mean they did not attain their true level.

On the other hand, the disadvantages of studying abroad were usually temporary in nature. Students who studied abroad generally became
proficient in the language quite soon and they are only away from their family and friends for a year or two. What is more, many of the benefits
lasted students all their lives and have made them highly desirable to prospective employers.

II. MODAL VERBS

Choose the MODAL VERB that best completes the sentence.

1. Ivy is sitting at her desk. She’s reading her botany book because she has a test tomorrow. She ___________.

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GRAMMAR EXAMINATION III: Verb Tenses, Modals, and Conditionals

a. will study b. might study c. must be studying

d. could be studying
2. When he was younger, he ______________ work in the garden for hours.
a. can b. would c. must d. would be able to

3. Since we have to be there before the concert starts, we __________ take a taxi.
a. can b. might c. may d. should

4.A: “I ____________ be leaving tonight. Why don’t you tell me what you wanted to say?”
B: “I ___________ to say it but it _________ not come from me.”
a. might/ have / should b. should/ have/ must c. shall/ have/ could d. might/ have/ may

5. A: “You haven’t eaten last night. You ____________ be really hungry.”

B: “I am.”
a. might b. will c. must d. can

6. _____________ you hand me the can opener please?

a. might b. will c. must d. should

7. We need a secretary who is excellent at computers and _______ do correspondence.

a. might b. will c. must d. can

8. Judging from his appearance, he __________ be a businessman.

a. might b. will c. must d. should

9. There’s a law that says that you __________ throw trash on the streets.
a. don’t have to b. couldn’t c. must not d. might not

10. Are you certain you _______ do the job?

a. can b. will c. must d. should

11. Extreme rain _______________ cause the river to flood the city.
a. can b. could c. shall d. should

12. That __________ not have been the right restaurant. I guess there was another one around there somewhere.
a. can b. will c. must d. should

13. Unchecked population growth ___ cause worldwide hunger and starvation in the coming years.
a. can b. will c. must d. should

14. There are many courses of action that we ____ follow.

a. can b. will c. must d. should

15. If we are successful in solving our problem, we ___ yet live in relative peace and abundance.
a. can b. may c. should d. will

Choose the suitable modal verb. (COULD, MAY, MUST, MIGHT, SHOULD, HAVE TO, WILL, CAN)

1. I have no time. I _____________ leave now or I miss the bus.

2. I wish I_____________ buy a new mobile phone but I don't have enough money.

3. She looks tired; she _____________ take some days off.

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GRAMMAR EXAMINATION III: Verb Tenses, Modals, and Conditionals

4. Judy is not at home. She_____________ have gone to Madrid, I don't know.

5. Tom _____________ play tennis quite well. I usually play with him every weekend.

6. _____________we go out tonight, please? Yes, but you_____________ be late.

7. I haven't decided yet where I _____________go in my next holidays. I think I _____________ go to Paris.

8. _____________you water my plants while I am away? If they don't get enough water they_____________ certainly die.

9. Jack _____________ come to our wedding, but we aren't sure.

10. _____________ I buy the tickets for the concert? I see you're too busy.

11. We_____________ pay the fees at the fixed time.

12. You _____________clean your room more often.

13. If it rains on Saturday, we_____________ go to the beach.

14. _____________ you speak German? No, I _____________.

15. Jane _____________not play the violin when she was five, but now she_____________ play it very well.

III. CONDITIONALS

CHOOSE THE IDEA EXPRESSED BY THESE SENTENCES

1. If you'd arrived on time, none of this would have happened a) This is less likely to happen than if the speaker had said 'If
you see him...'
a) This sentence is about something that happened in the b) This is as likely to happen as if the speaker had said 'If you
past see him...'
b) This sentence is about something that is very unlikely to
happen 5. If the weather stays good, I'll play a round of golf tomorrow

2. If I were you, I'd get in touch with a solicitor a) This is about something that is unlikely to happen
b) This is about something that has a good chance of
a) This is about something that is likely to happen in the near happening
future
b) This is about something now 6. If they win, they'll be top of the Premier Division

3. f I won the lottery, I'd go on a cruise a) This could well happen

b) This is unlikely to happen
a) This is about the present
b) This is about the future 7. But for Jane's help, I'd never have got it done on time

4. If you should see him, tell him I've got the video he was looking a) Jane helped the speaker
for b) Jane didn't help the speaker

8. It might not have been Sally

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GRAMMAR EXAMINATION III: Verb Tenses, Modals, and Conditionals

a) The speaker thinks that it probably was Sally 18. If he hadn't been there, there would have been a terrible
b) The speaker is fairly sure it wasn't Sally accident

9. John, should you see her, could you ask Helen to give me a quick a) There was no accident
ring? b) There was an accident

a) John is likely to see Helen 19. If you want to do well, you should work harder
b) John might possibly see Helen
a) The speaker is giving advice
10. If I told you what happened, would you keep it to yourself b) The speaker is giving an order

a) The speaker is definitely going to tell the person what 20. If he were here, things would be very different
happened
b) The speaker might tell the person what happened a) This is about the future
b) This is about the present
11. As long as you do what the doctor told you, you should be better
in a few days 21. If you see him, will you tell him that I need to talk to him

a) The person will probably get better a) There's a reasonable chance of seeing him
b) It is unlikely that the person will get better b) There's little chance of seeing him

12. If I were in your shoes, I'd be celebrating 22. Had I known, I'd have come sooner

a) This is unlikely to happen except in the distant future a) This is about the present
b) This is describing an imaginary present situation b) This is about the past

13. I wish I were at home 23. Provided you carry on like this, you should do well

a) This is talking about the present a) The speaker thinks it is unlikely that the person will carry
b) This is talking about the past on in the same way
b) The speaker thinks it is likely that the person will carry on
14. If I were in your shoes, I'd make sure that it is paid on time in the same way

a) The speaker is giving an order 24. If only I'd had the chance to speak to her, I'd have sorted
b) The speaker is making a suggestion everything out

15. You know you shouldn't have tried to get away without paying a) The speaker is apologising
b) The speaker is expressing regret
a) The speaker is pleased with the other person
b) The speaker is annoyed with the other person 25. Suppose he came, what would you do?

16. I'll kill you unless you give me the money a) It is unlikely that he will come
b) It is fairly likely that he will come
a) The speaker is making a threat
b) The speaker is making a suggestion 26. He might well understand if you explain the situation to him

17. Unless you stop working so late, you'll never stop being so tired a) It is improbable that he will understand
b) He will probably understand
a) The person should stop working late
b) It's alright to work late

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GRAMMAR EXAMINATION III: Verb Tenses, Modals, and Conditionals

27. Unless you apply now, you won't get your passport in time for 29. If you could, would you go there?
your holiday
a) This is about the past
a) There's no hurry to apply b) This is about the future
b) The person must apply quickly
30. What do you think I should do if he turns up?
28. If you mix yellow and blue, it makes green
a) The speaker wants advice about the present
a) This is always true b) The speaker wants advice about the future
b) This is about the future

CHOOSE WHICH CLAUSE BEST COMPLETES THESE SENTENCES

1. If he comes, a) if he not work harder.

b) unless he begins to study.
a) we will go to lunch. c) if he weren't serious.
b) we would go to lunch.
c) we went to lunch. 8. She would live in New York now

2. I would buy a new house a) if she stays.

b) if she had stayed.
a) if I have a lot of money. c) if she was to stay.
b) if I win the lottery.
c) if I inherited a million dollars. 9. They would have bought that new car

3. If she misses the bus, a) if they had had the money.

b) if they had the money.
a) I take her to school by car. c) if they were having the money.
b) I would take her to school by car.
c) she have to walk. 10. I leave on Saturdays

4. If I had known you were in town, a) if she will come to visit.

b) if she comes to visit.
a) I would buy you some flowers! c) if she won't come to visit.
b) I would have bought you some flowers.
c) I will buy you some flowers. 11. If he were President,

5. If he studies a lot, a) he would help the poor more.

b) he will help the poor more.
a) he might pass the exam. c) he would have helped the poor more.
b) he would pass the exam.
c) he is going to pass the exam. 12. If they had had enough good sense,

6. I would get a new job a) they would move to Santa Monica.

b) they would have moved to Santa Monica.
a) if I was you. c) they would had moved to Santa Monica.
b) if I am you.
c) if I were you. 13. She will go crazy

7. He will surely fail his exams a) if you leaves her.

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GRAMMAR EXAMINATION III: Verb Tenses, Modals, and Conditionals

b) unless she leaves you. a) if you speak unclear.

c) if she don't leave you. b) unless you speak more clearly.
c) if you don't speak clear.
14. If this storm gets worse,
18. She would have gone
a) we will have to go inland.
b) we have to get inland. a) if she had been in your position.
c) we must to go inland. b) if she were in your position.
c) if she was in your position.
15. Watch out! If you touch that cable,
19. You would certainly have been angry
a) you will get a shock.
b) you shocked. a) if you discovered what he knew.
c) you had a shock. b) if you had discovered what he knew.
c) if you had discovered what he had known.
16. I might have had time
a) if you needed my help 20. I would have invited you to the party
b) if you had asked me for help.
c) if you ask me for help. a) if you were not out of town
b) if you are not out of town
17. I'm afraid I can't understand you c) if you had not been out of town

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