Identify the tense of the underlined verb in the sentence:
The new metro line opens to the public next Monday.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Simple present tense
Simple present tense:
- Its form is the base form of the verb (+ s / es).
- Besides habits, it is used for fixed future events on a timetable or plan.
- “Opens” is the base form + s, with no “will” or “is”.
- “Next Monday” is future, but the verb form is still the simple present.
- Example: The school reopens on 2 June.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Simple future tense — Incorrect.
- The simple future is will + base form, as in “will open”.
- The underlined verb has no “will”.
- Example: The shop will open late tomorrow.
Option 2: Present continuous tense — Incorrect.
- The present continuous is is / are + V-ing, as in “is opening”.
- The underlined verb has no -ing.
- Example: The guard is opening the gate now.
Option 4: Present perfect tense — Incorrect.
- The present perfect is has / have + past participle (V3), as in “has opened”.
- The underlined verb has no “has”.
- Example: The bank has opened a new branch.