Choose the correct verb form to fill in the blank:
When we reached Itarsi last night, the TT told us that our train ______ two hours late, so we had time for dinner on the platform.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → was running
Tense after a past reporting verb:
- When the reporting verb is in the past (told, said), the reported verb moves one step back: is running → was running.
- Clue word: “last night, the TT told us”.
- The TT’s words were “Your train is running two hours late.” That was true last night, so it is reported in the past continuous.
- Complete sentence: When we reached Itarsi last night, the TT told us that our train was running two hours late, so we had time for dinner on the platform.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: is running — Incorrect.
- “Is running” is the present continuous.
- It would mean the train is still late now.
- The lateness was true last night, so the verb moves back after “told”.
- Example: Listen, the tap is running in the bathroom.
Option 2: has been running — Incorrect.
- “Has been running” is the present perfect continuous.
- It joins an action to now, not to a past moment like “last night”.
- Example: The fan has been running since morning.
Option 4: will be running — Incorrect.
- “Will be running” is the future continuous.
- It shows an action going on at a future moment, but the train was late last night.
- Example: At eight tomorrow, the metro will be running on the new line.