Past Perfect and Past Continuous

Liam and Noel _____________ (hike) near a volcano when it started to snow. They arrived at base camp two hours late.

• had been hiking

• were hiking

Answer explanation

Always check the context when in doubt.

The snow affected Liam and Noel's hike directly. Interruption = Past Continuous.

Tris ___________ (study) all night, so they __________ (be) well-prepared for the test.

• was studying / were

• had been studying / had been

• had been studying / were

• was studying / were being

Answer explanation

Cause and Effect = Past Perfect Continuous.

Matt ________ (promise) to take Clarissa to the movies the entire week.

• had been promising

• had promised

Answer explanation

Gotcha! Although the importance here is in the extension of time, Stative Verbs rules overrule everything else.

Bayley _________ (read) 4 chapters of the book by 8 o'clock.

• had read

• had been reading

Answer explanation

Unfinished vs. Finished. Always remember.

Bonnie __________ (take) pictures of her cat when she saw a ghostly figure.

• was taking

• had been taking

Answer explanation

One long action is interrupted by a short action. Has anyone seen Bonnie today, though?

The moment the food arrived, they _______ (get ready) to leave.

• were getting ready

• had been getting ready

Answer explanation

Thank God the food arrived! The focus is on action and not everything preceding it. Past Continuous.

When we arrived at the restaurant, the buffet _____________________ already.

• had started

• started

• had been starting

Mary ________ sad because I _________________ her birthday.

• was...have forgotten

• had been...forgot

• was...had forgotten

I __________ borrow the book from Tim because I ___________ it already.

• didn't....had read

• was not...had read

• didn't...read

Your sister ______________ online games all afternoon yesterday. This was why she didn't finish her homework.

• has been playing

• had played

• had been playing