##  [Verb tenses: Timing is everything](/en/quiz/verb-tenses-timing-is-everything-eng)

Verb tense gives us information about when an action is taking place: in the past, present or future. The sequence of verb tenses tells us when one action takes place relative to another action. For example, is one action completed before another in the past? Is one action ongoing when another takes place? The verb tenses will tell you!

If you think you are up to the challenge, try your hand at the questions below. Choose the best answer in each case.

1. Every time Sue telephoned her father, he ![Placeholder for the answer](/sites/default/files/underscore_15_black-wet.gif) a movie.watched

was watching

is watching

2. I ![Placeholder for the answer](/sites/default/files/underscore_15_black-wet.gif) in the attic for hours when I finally found what I was looking for!rummaged

have been rummaging

had been rummaging

3. The reason that Kayo drove into the curb was that she ![Placeholder for the answer](/sites/default/files/underscore_15_black-wet.gif) a text message the moment before.had been sending

has been sending

sent

4. If he is free, Marek ![Placeholder for the answer](/sites/default/files/underscore_15_black-wet.gif) a speech at the convention centre next month.would give

will be giving

gave

5. Masako ![Placeholder for the answer](/sites/default/files/underscore_15_black-wet.gif) the lead role for a month by the time her parents see the play.will play

played

will have been playing

6. Basha ![Placeholder for the answer](/sites/default/files/underscore_15_black-wet.gif) his new store two weeks from today.has opened

opened

opens

7. By the time Ramiro ![Placeholder for the answer](/sites/default/files/underscore_15_black-wet.gif) his messages, he was already late for dinner.had checked

has checked

is checking

8. Nalani ![Placeholder for the answer](/sites/default/files/underscore_15_black-wet.gif) her B.A., her M.A. and now her Ph.D.had completed

has completed

is completing