Question

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate option:
Before I woke up, the burglars ____________ most of my possessions.

• A. have taken
• B. had taken
• C. were taking
• D. will take

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

had taken

The word 'before' means that the action "the burglars _____ most of my possessions" took place first, followed by the action "I woke up". When one action happens before the other (both actions happened in the past), then that clause is in the past perfect tense.

Option B: 'Had taken' is in the past perfect tense. It means that the action happened in the past, before another action took place (in the past). Hence this option is correct.

Option A: 'Have taken' is in the present perfect tense. It indicates an action that just happened.

Option C: 'Were taking' is in the past continuous tense. It states an action that was continuing at a certain point in the past. But the action of 'taking the possessions' had already completed ('before' refers to a completed action).

Option D: 'Will take' indicates a future action whereas the sentence is in the past.

Hence options A, C and D are incorrect.