Fill in the blank with the most appropriate option in the given sentence :-
My sister____ me only once or twice since the time she has been living in Cherapunji.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → has messaged
Present perfect with "since":
- Clue word: since (with "only once or twice"): the period runs from a past point up to now.
- The present perfect (has/have + past participle) counts completed actions within such a period: has messaged once or twice.
- The present perfect continuous (has been messaging) shows one action going on without a break, so it does not go with a count such as "once or twice".
- Complete sentence: My sister has messaged me only once or twice since the time she has been living in Cherapunji.
Example: He has visited us only twice since he moved to Pune.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: was messaging — Incorrect. The past continuous describes an action in progress at a past moment; it cannot be linked to a period running up to now with "since".
Option 3: has been messaging — Incorrect. The present perfect continuous shows a continuing activity, which clashes with "only once or twice".
Option 4: messages — Incorrect. The simple present shows a habit; it does not go with a period beginning "since" a point in the past.
Contrast: "has messaged" counts finished actions (once, twice); "has been messaging" shows one unbroken activity (all day, for hours).