Choose the most appropriate option to complete the given sentence:-
Though Abha _____ the manuscript several times before submitting it to the publisher, yet a major error came to light.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → had reviewed
Past perfect tense:
- Form: had + past participle.
- Use: of two past actions, the one completed first takes the past perfect. The later one takes the simple past.
- This sentence: Abha reviewed the manuscript first, and later a major error came to light (simple past), so the earlier action is "had reviewed".
- Complete sentence: Though Abha had reviewed the manuscript several times before submitting it to the publisher, yet a major error came to light.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: review — Incorrect.
- It is the simple present, which does not fit a sentence set in the past.
- With a singular subject it would have to be "reviews".
Example: She reviews every chapter twice.
Option 2: have reviewed — Incorrect.
- The present perfect links the past with the present, but the other verb, "came", is in the past.
- With "Abha" it would be "has reviewed".
Example: I have reviewed your essay and made some notes.
Option 4: have been reviewing — Incorrect.
- The present perfect continuous describes an action still going on up to now. The reviewing here was finished before the error came to light.
- "Have" does not agree with "Abha".
Example: We have been reviewing the plan since morning.
Contrast: the earlier of two past actions takes the past perfect "had reviewed". The present perfect "have/has reviewed" links the past with the present.