Question : Directions: In the question, a part of the sentence is in bold. Below are given alternatives to the bold part at 1, 2 and 3 that may improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative. In case no improvement is needed, your answer is (4).
We have been retracing our steps to the log cabin ten minutes ago.
(1) will be retracing
(2) have to retrace
(3) had to retrace
(4) No Improvement
Option 1: 1
Option 2: 2
Option 3: 3
Option 4: 4
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Correct Answer: 3
Solution : The correct improvement for the sentence is: had to retrace.
Explanation: The original sentence uses "have been retracing," which is incorrect in this context because the action of retracing steps occurred in the past. Therefore, past perfect tense is needed. "Had to retrace" correctly conveys that the retracing of steps happened before the current time.
will be retracing
- This option changes the tense to future continuous, which does not fit the past time frame of the sentence. It suggests that the retracing will happen in the future.
have to retrace
- This option uses the present tense "have to," which is not suitable for describing a past action. It implies a current or future necessity to retrace, which is not what the sentence is conveying.
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