Test your knowledge of verb tense consistency with this short quiz. For each sentence, choose the form of the verb in brackets that is consistent with the other verb(s) in the sentence. Then check the answers at the end of the quiz to see how you did.

Remember: Unless a sentence indicates a shift in time, verbs must maintain the same form and tense throughout a sentence. Verb tenses in English can be a difficult concept to master because almost all of the tenses require the use of auxiliary “helper” verbs to fully express their meanings. If you’re not familiar with English verb tenses, check out our verb tense lessons for a thorough explanation of the 12 verb tenses found in English.

1. By the time Arthur returns from vacation, Helen [complete] most of the project.
2. Tiffany sent a personalized thank you card to every person who [give] her a wedding gift.
3. If you buy some snacks for the party, I [pay] you back later.
4. Will is one of our best writers because he works quickly and [deliver] high quality content.
5. I will proof read the report after you [finish] writing it.
6. Be prepared to work overtime when Apple [release] the new iPhone.
7. As soon as the employees from the Spain branch [arrive] in Atlanta, the company enrolled them in business English classes at the English Island.
8. Ellen returned the damaged tea set to the store and [receive] a refund from the manager.
9. Every store in Metro Atlanta [sell] out of that book; we should have ordered additional copies when we had the chance.
10. Amara is taking English classes at the English Island in Atlanta until she [master] verb tenses.

Verb Tense Consistency Quiz Answers

1. By the time Arthur returns from vacation, Helen will have completed most of the project.
2. Tiffany sent a personalized thank you card to every person who gave her a wedding gift.
3. If you buy some snacks for the party, I will pay you back later.
4. Will is one of our best writers because he works quickly and delivers high quality content.
5. I will proof read the report after you finish writing it.
6. Be prepared to work overtime when Apple releases the new iPhone.
7. As soon as the employees from the Spain branch arrived in Atlanta, the company enrolled them in business English classes at the English Island.
8. Ellen returned the damaged tea set to the store and received a refund from the manager.
9. Every store in Metro Atlanta has sold out of that book; we should have ordered additional copies when we had the chance.
10. Amara is taking English classes at the English Island in Atlanta until she masters verb tenses.

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