Choose the correct form of the word to complete the sentence given below:
Although Brij_____ in France for five years now, he doesn't speak French well.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → has lived
Present perfect for a continuing situation:
- An action that began in the past and still continues takes the present perfect (has/have + past participle), often with "for" or "since".
- Clue words: "for five years now". They show that Brij began living in France five years ago and still lives there, and the other clause ("he doesn't speak") is in the present, so has lived.
- Complete sentence: Although Brij has lived in France for five years now, he doesn't speak French well.
Example: My uncle has worked in this bank for twenty years.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: was living — Incorrect. The past continuous shows an action in progress at a past moment; it does not reach up to "now".
Option 3: had lived — Incorrect. The past perfect shows an action finished before another past action; the other clause here is in the present.
Option 4: lives — Incorrect. The simple present states a fact or habit; it cannot show a period running from the past up to now ("for five years now").
Contrast: has lived runs from the past up to now ("for five years now"); had lived ends before another past action.