Exercise: Choosing correct verb forms

EXERCISE 39.3

Complete each of the following sentences by writing an appropriate form of the verb listed in parentheses. Since more than one form will sometimes be possible, be prepared to explain the reasons for your choices.

Click Submit after each question to record your answer. If your instructor has assigned this exercise set, you must answer every question before your answers will be submitted to the gradebook.

Example:

The supply of a product (rise) when the demand is great.

Answer: rises

  1. History (show) that crime usually decreases as the economy improves.
    History ________ (show) that crime usually decreases as the economy improves.
  2. Ever since the first nuclear power plants were built, opponents (fear) disaster.
    Ever since the first nuclear power plants were built, opponents ________ (fear) disaster.
  3. Thousands of Irish peasants (emigrate) to America after the potato famine of the 1840s.
    Thousands of Irish peasants ________ (emigrate) to America after the potato famine of the 1840s.
  4. The soap opera General Hospital (be) on the air since 1963.
    The soap opera General Hospital ________ (be) on the air since 1963.
  5. Olivia (direct) the play next year.
    Olivia ________ (direct) the play next year.
  6. While they (eat) in a local restaurant, they saw a minor accident.
    While they ________ (eat) in a local restaurant, they saw a minor accident.
  7. By this time next week, each of your clients (receive) an invitation to the opening.
    By this time next week, each of your clients ________ (receive) an invitation to the opening.
  8. By the time a child born today enters first grade, he or she (watch) thousands of television commercials.
    By the time a child born today enters first grade, he or she ________ (watch) thousands of television commercials.
  9. In one of the novel’s most famous scenes, Huck (express) his willingness to go to hell rather than report Jim as an escaped slave.
    In one of the novel’s most famous scenes, Huck ________ (express) his willingness to go to hell rather than report Jim as an escaped slave.
  10. A cold typically (last) for about a week and a half.
    A cold typically ________ (last) for about a week and a half.