Question
We got on the bus at 8:30, but before that, we __________ for half an hour in the cold.
Correct Answer: b) had been waiting
Use Past Perfect Continuous to show the duration of waiting before another past action (getting on the bus).
Question
It's midnight, and Lucas is still awake. His friend asks: "How long __________ English tonight?"
Correct Answer: a) have you been studying
Use Present Perfect Continuous to ask about duration from past to present ("tonight" connects to now).
Question
I was so tired yesterday evening because I __________ the night before.
Correct Answer: a) wasn't sleeping
Use Past Continuous (negative) to describe the state during a specific past time ("the night before").
Question
Maria failed her test. The teacher asked her angrily: "Why __________ for it properly?"
Correct Answer: b) hadn't you been studying
Use Past Perfect Continuous (negative) to ask about the lack of studying before the past test.
Question
Look at Camila—she's still on the sofa with her book. She __________ it since breakfast.
Correct Answer: a) has been reading
Use Present Perfect Continuous with "since" to show an action from past to present (she's still reading now).
Question
When I called you last night, your phone was busy. What __________ at that time?
Correct Answer: c) were you doing
Use Past Continuous to ask about an action in progress at a specific past time ("at that time").
Question
You look exhausted. I know you __________ very well these past few weeks.
Correct Answer: a) haven't been sleeping
Use Present Perfect Continuous (negative) to show the ongoing lack of sleep from past to present ("these past few weeks" to now).
Question
She finally sat down at 9 p.m. because she __________ in the office since early morning.
Correct Answer: b) had been working
Use Past Perfect Continuous to show duration before another past action (sitting down at 9 p.m.).
Question
I tried to call you yesterday afternoon, but you didn't answer. __________ at school then?
Correct Answer: a) Weren't you
Use Past Continuous (negative question) to ask about location/state at a specific past time ("then").
Question
When I passed my driving test, the instructor asked me: "How long __________ before today?"
Correct Answer: b) had you been practicing
Use Past Perfect Continuous to ask about duration before a past reference point ("before today" = before the test).
Question
The students were lost during the lecture because they __________ attention.
Correct Answer: c) hadn't been paying
Use Past Perfect Continuous (negative) to explain a past result by showing the lack of attention before that moment in the lecture.
Question
Yesterday morning, I met Daniel in the park. He __________ while listening to music.
Correct Answer: b) was jogging
Use Past Continuous to describe an action in progress at the moment of meeting him.