MIXED TENSE EXERCISES

PART 1

1. When a tourist (ask) __________________ the way to the nearest post office in good English, we (give)
__________________ her the directions rather excitedly, because we (never, have) __________________
the opportunity to use our English so freely before.
2. When we (arrive) __________________ at the hotel, the receptionist (welcome) __________________ us
with a warm smile.
3. The tour guide (explain) ____________________ the history of the ancient ruins when a mobile phone
(ring) __________________ loudly.
4. While we (wait) __________________ for the bus to the airport, we (meet) __________________ a
fellow traveller who (share) __________________ stories of her adventures in different countries.
5. As we (explore) __________________ the vibrant market, we (come) __________________ across a
variety of unique handmade crafts, and we (decide) __________________ to buy a few as souvenirs.
6. While we (enjoy) __________________ a traditional dance performance, the performers (invite)
__________________ the audience to join in, and surprisingly, many of us (participate)
__________________ in the dance.
7. Before we (embark) __________________ on the hiking trail, we (check) __________________ our
backpacks to ensure we (have) __________________ everything we needed.
8. While we (relax) __________________ on the beach, a sudden rainstorm (surprise) ________________
us, and we (have to) __________________ find shelter quickly.
9. As soon as we (enter) __________________ the historical castle, we (feel) __________________ like we
(step) __________________ back in time.
10. The travel agent (recommend) __________________ that we (purchase) __________________ travel
insurance before we (depart) __________________ for our international trip.
11. By the time we (reach) __________________ the top of the mountain, the sun (set/already)
_______________________________, so we (miss) __________________________ the breathtaking
view.
12. After we (visit) ________________ the famous landmarks, we (realize) __________________ that we
(never, see) ________________ such magnificent architecture before.
13. By the time we (arrive) ________________ at the resort, many of the other guests (already, check in)
___________________________, and the receptionist (inform) _____________________ us that our
room (be) ________________ ready.
14. The travel blogger (document) ________________ her experiences in various countries for the last two
years, and her captivating stories (inspire) _______________ many people so far to plan their own
journeys.
15. While we (explore) ________________ the city, we (notice) ________________ that our feet (start)
________________ to ache because we (walk) ________________ for hours without taking a break.
 MIXED TENSE EXERCISES

PART 1 Answer Key:

1. Asked / gave / had never had
2. arrived / welcomed
3. was explaining / rang
4. were waiting / met / shared
5. were exploring / came / decided
6. were enjoying / invited / participated
7. embarked / checked / had
8. were relaxing / surprised / had to
9. entered / felt / stepped
10. recommended / purchase / departed
11. reached / had already set / missed
12. visited / realized / had never seen
13. arrived / had already checked in / informed / was
14. has documented – has been documenting / have inspired
15. were exploring / noticed / (had) started / had been walking