The commuters were complaining that they have waited for along but no train had come.
A) that they have waited for along but no train
B) that they waited for along but no train
C) that they wait for along but no train
D) that they have been waiting for along but no train
E) that they had been waiting for along but no train

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This sentence has an error in the verb-time agreement. The opening verb is in the past continuous tense, which needs also the subordinate verb too in the continuous form, and past continuous tense can be followed by either past continuous or past perfect continuous. Option A uses a present perfect (have waited), option B uses simple past (waited), option C uses a simple present (wait), and option D uses a present perfect continuous (have been waiting) that are inappropriate with the sentence; whereas option E suggests the past perfect continuous form (had been waiting) that is appropriate one. Option E is the correct answer.

The Commuters Were Complaining That They Have Waited for Along