chen
“Why are your hands so dirty?” --- “I ____ in the garden.” A. was working B. worked C. have been working Note: In this case, I would usually say A. What is your preference and why? Thanks
Aug 2, 2013 5:04 AM
Answers · 10
3
The problem with this question's answers is that all of the answers are grammatically correct. However, the only real way to choose is based on context. The answer would be A if the person was doing something in the garden previously to be asked the question. The answer would be B if the person was getting paid to do some work in the garden. The answer would be C if the person was and still is working in the garden when being asked the question. With that information I'm gonna guess definitely not C because the person wouldn't ask a question like that if they're with them in the garden. But the other two seem completely viable.
August 2, 2013
It is so subtle!!
August 2, 2013
Yes, the solution says the answer is C. I thought it was a mistake because I chose A. Thanks Peachey for explaining why C has to be the answer!
August 2, 2013
The only correct answer is C. The question is about the present, so the reply must use a present tense - in this case, present perfect. The confusion lies in the habits of some speakers to cut corners and use past tenses. The past tense answers are definitely understandable, but not correct.
August 2, 2013
I choose A because question was made in present tense and answer must be in the same verbal time. Letter 8 is wrong because it a contiinuous tense, meaning a non stop action and letter b is past tense
August 2, 2013
Show more
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!