Using Past-Tense Forms of the Verb Be

In the sentences that follow, fill in each blank with the correct past-tense form of the verb be.

For help with this exercise, see “Irregular Verbs.”

  1. Lincoln ________ respectful of his visitors as well, but they took up a great deal of his time.

    Question

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    Using Past-Tense Forms of the Verb Be - Question 1
  2. Most of his visitors ________ politicians, army generals, journalists, job seekers, and relatives of Mrs. Lincoln.

    Question

    uYhe2qOniGqUYV1KW+okDAbVjb8ThHvsvEFB7YzSMYuDkYkLGxR6F5U+AaP7/+jSU16PVaTJjn0=
    Using Past-Tense Forms of the Verb Be - Question 2
  3. Nearly every visitor ________ seeking something from the president, such as promotions, policy changes, or pardons.

    Question

    oPVPFz3OaEZ3dfImWLUQikJ1VmeW2QhC0pxqREWtJock+tX18Oc/axginVrv+Pa4mWwJTZ2te0s=
    Using Past-Tense Forms of the Verb Be - Question 3
  4. Whenever a visitor came asking for nothing, Lincoln ________ clearly relieved.

    Question

    oPVPFz3OaEZ3dfImWLUQikJ1VmeW2QhC0pxqREWtJock+tX18Oc/axginVrv+Pa4mWwJTZ2te0s=
    Using Past-Tense Forms of the Verb Be - Question 4
  5. Mrs. Lincoln’s relatives ________ especially troublesome for the president.

    Question

    uYhe2qOniGqUYV1KW+okDAbVjb8ThHvsvEFB7YzSMYuDkYkLGxR6F5U+AaP7/+jSU16PVaTJjn0=
    Using Past-Tense Forms of the Verb Be - Question 5
  6. Many of the Todds ________ Confederate sympathizers or even Confederate combatants.

    Question

    uYhe2qOniGqUYV1KW+okDAbVjb8ThHvsvEFB7YzSMYuDkYkLGxR6F5U+AaP7/+jSU16PVaTJjn0=
    Using Past-Tense Forms of the Verb Be - Question 6
  7. Usually, though, a Todd visiting Lincoln ________ looking for a job.

    Question

    oPVPFz3OaEZ3dfImWLUQikJ1VmeW2QhC0pxqREWtJock+tX18Oc/axginVrv+Pa4mWwJTZ2te0s=
    Using Past-Tense Forms of the Verb Be - Question 7
  8. Nearly everyone who had known Lincoln at some point in his life ________ welcomed by the president.

    Question

    oPVPFz3OaEZ3dfImWLUQikJ1VmeW2QhC0pxqREWtJock+tX18Oc/axginVrv+Pa4mWwJTZ2te0s=
    Using Past-Tense Forms of the Verb Be - Question 8
  9. His manner ________ almost always so friendly and gracious that his visitors ________ quickly put at ease.

    Question

    gLAR7NREb+0UtaJGqZ4ASUKxGVgn7mgTXq7fYGxH85bsi2+uvNaIHdZKjPb8DiYgA+odyOhmOLroBUuKL24xkw==
    Using Past-Tense Forms of the Verb Be - Question 9
  10. Contrary to the serious face in the Lincoln Memorial, whenever the president greeted a visitor, he ________ usually smiling.

    Question

    oPVPFz3OaEZ3dfImWLUQikJ1VmeW2QhC0pxqREWtJock+tX18Oc/axginVrv+Pa4mWwJTZ2te0s=
    Using Past-Tense Forms of the Verb Be - Question 10