In the following sentences, determine whether the verb in parentheses should be in past tense or present perfect tense. Be prepared to explain your answer.

1. Yesterday, I ___________ the bus to school. (ride)

2. I _______ the bus many times before. (take)

3. Some people _______________ on a bus in their lives. (not be)

4. Last year I __________ my car every day. (drive)

5. Lately, however, my car ___________ acting up. (be)

6. Unfortunately, I ____________ the job I had hoped for. (not get)

7. Thus, it _____ a difficult period being without a car of my own. (be)

8. This morning, my sister ____________ to let me borrow her car. (offer)

9. Unfortunately, since I ___________ my insurance bill lately (not pay), I __________ . (decline)

10. However, since my sister _________ so kind to me (be), I _______ her a thank you note. (send)

Updated October 19, 1999
© Mr. Thomas T. Eiland