Select the most appropriate verb / verb phrase to fill in the blank.
They ________________ their house for the past two months, and it’s finally starting to look fantastic.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. have been renovating.
Context: The sentence talks about an action (renovation) that started in the past and is still ongoing—with results visible now.
Analysis of the given options:
Were renovating – past continuous; implies the action is not ongoing now.
Will renovate – future; does not match the “past two months” clue.
Has renovated – present perfect; used for completed actions.
Have been renovating – present perfect continuous; correct for ongoing actions starting in the past.
Reason: The phrase “for the past two months” clearly indicates a duration of time from past till now. This requires the present perfect continuous tense to express an action that started in the past and is still continuing or has visible effects in the present.
Final sentence: They have been renovating their house for the past two months, and it’s finally starting to look fantastic.
Hence, the chosen option is correct.