Tenses 1

1. For several years now she ____ as private secretary to the bank manager.

2. When they heard a gunfire across the border, the relief workers in the camp knew that another group of refugees ____ before long.

3. In some quarters it is felt that the minister ____ the political stature that he needs to recast the country’s economic policy.

4. As I _____ you yesterday, the undersecretary _____ over this afternoon’s discussions.

5. The Pacific markets _____ extremely competitive since the manufacturing capacity of many Far Eastern countries _____ to improve at the turn of the decade.

6. No new staff ____ appointed since the two companies ____ merged.

7. Today the telephone ____ an indispensable part of our daily life but ____ so.

8. In the end I ____ him for the election since the attitude of the delegates ____ so completely.

9. I ____ him taking notes frantically while the minister ____ the troops.

10. When he ____ that very rash promise he didn’t realise what he ____ himself in for.