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    Question

    Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the

    bold segment in the given sentence. By the time we reached the station, the train left .
    A was leaving Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B has left Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C is leaving Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D had left Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    The sentence describes two actions in the past — reaching the station and the train leaving. The train’s departure happened before the other past action, so past perfect tense ("had left") is the correct choice.
    "Had left" indicates the train departed before they reached.
    "Was leaving" implies both actions happened simultaneously, which is incorrect here.
    "Has left" and "is leaving" are present tenses and inappropriate in this past-time context.

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