Improve the sentence by selecting the appropriate tense of the underlined word.
He ____ for an hour when I found him sleeping on the couch.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
Correct Answer
was working
Explanation
Rule: When describing a continuous or ongoing activity that was happening in the past around the time another short action interrupted or concluded it, the past continuous tense is utilized.
Formula: Past Continuous (was/were + Ving) + when + Simple Past
Application: The sentence establishes a past timeframe ("when I found him"). The continuous action of working was ongoing during that past period up until the moment he was discovered on the couch, making "was working" the structurally appropriate fit.