By the time the committee reviewed the proposal, the researchers ____ the data twice.
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. had already checked
- Step 1: The clause 'By the time the committee reviewed' sets a past point of reference. Step 2. An action completed before that point needs the past perfect: had + past participle. Answer: had already checked. Why not the others: 'have already checked' is present perfect and cannot link to a past reference; 'were checking' shows an unfinished action; 'would check' is a hypothetical.
Practise more Grammar and Vocabulary.
Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed Iraqi National English Proficiency Test (INPT) mock tests.
More Grammar and Vocabulary questions
- If the laboratory ____ more funding, it would purchase a new microscope.
- The report ____ by an independent panel before it was published last month.
- Karim said, 'I have not finished the thesis yet.' In reported speech: Karim said that he ____ the thesis yet.
- The university offers a wide ____ of postgraduate programmes in engineering.
- Her ____ to complete the project on time impressed the supervisor.
- Students should ____ close attention to the safety instructions in the laboratory.