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    Question

    As soon as she noticed the workmen, she asked them what

    they " have been doing."  Select the most appropriate option to substitute the bold  segment in the given  sentence.
    A have done Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B had been doing Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C are doing Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D No improvement Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    The sentence is in the past tense ("noticed"), so the correct form for an action that was ongoing before that moment is the past perfect continuous tense ("had been doing"): As soon as she noticed the workmen, she asked them what they had been doing.

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