All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Choose the most suitable option to replace the underlined part of the sentence :

By the time we reached the station, the train left.

This question was previously asked in
SSC Selection Post 2025 Graduate Level Question Paper (29-Aug-2025) (Shift 1)
The correct answer is

had left

had left is correct.

The sentence describes two past actions: we reached the station, and the train left. The train left first, before we reached. When one past action is completed before another past action, the earlier one is put in the past perfect (had + past participle).

“By the time” + simple past in one clause is regularly followed by the past perfect in the other.

Corrected sentence: “By the time we reached the station, the train had left.”

“Has left” is present perfect and cannot pair with the past “reached”. “Was leaving” shows an action still in progress, and “is leaving” is present continuous; neither shows that the departure was already complete.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. Directions: Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select 'No substitution'.

    Some of my burden have being reduced.

  2. Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select ‘no substitution’.

    I needs someone very strong to lift this heavy bag.

  3. Select the most appropriate option to replace the underlined word in the given sentence.

    This statue of Lord Buddha is carved in jade.

  4. Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence.

    Hobby is a work which a man undertakes when he is not working for pleasure.

  5. Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence.

    Extreme sadness and pitiful cries of people filled the whole atmosphere.

  6. Select the option that will improve the underlined part of the given sentence.

    Tarika dances swiftest than others and misses all the steps.

  7. Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence.

    The rebels laid up their arms.

  8. Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence.

    She has gained a lot of fame but still she is very realistic and sensible.

  9. Directions: Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select No substitution.

    The peoples standing on the street are shouting in anger.

  10. Select the option that will improve the underlined part of the given sentence. In case no improvement is needed, select 'No improvement'.

    I decided to took matters in my own hands.


Important Questions from Phrase Replacement

  1. Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, No substitution required.

    Not knowing the language and having no acquaintances in the city, he found it hard getting work.

  2. Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select option No substitution required.

    We had been almost halfway there when the left rear tyre blew out

  3. Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select option No substitution required.

    The man spent a lot because he had so large amount of money.

  4. Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select ‘No improvement’.

    In the past, promises have been made, kept, and broken, and they are being make yet again.

  5. Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select ‘No improvement’.

    September is one of the busiest months of the year, with a range of different tasks at hand

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
UPSSSC PET
October 25, 2026
SSC JE
November 02, 2026
SSC CPO
November 20, 2026
SSC CHSL
November 30, 2026
Test Series
SSC Selection Post img
SSC
SSC Selection Post (Graduation) (Phase 12) 2025 Mock Test Series
489 Tests 5 Tests Free
5493 Attempts
4.8(318)
English, Hindi
More Questions from SSC Selection Post

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App