Fill in the blank with the appropriate verb form.
For the last few months, our neighbours ________ about the noise from our generator.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → have been complaining
Present perfect continuous tense:
- We use has/have been + verb-ing for an action that started in the past and is still going on now.
- The neighbours began complaining some months ago.
- They are still complaining.
- Clue word: "For the last few months" gives a period that runs from the past up to now.
- Complete sentence: For the last few months, our neighbours have been complaining about the noise from our generator.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: are complaining — Incorrect.
- "Are complaining" is the present continuous.
- It shows an action going on now.
- It does not go with a period like "for the last few months".
- Example: The children are playing in the park right now.
Option 3: had been complaining — Incorrect.
- "Had been complaining" is the past perfect continuous.
- It ends at a point in the past.
- Here the complaining goes on till now.
- Example: He had been waiting for an hour when the bus came.
Option 4: were complaining — Incorrect.
- "Were complaining" is the past continuous.
- It shows an action going on at a past time.
- It does not reach up to now.
- Example: We were having dinner when the lights went out.