Select the option that can correctly replace the highlighted word or phrase and make the sentence grammatically correct. Select the 'No correction required' option if the sentence is correct as it is given.? Resham is tired as she (is working) since six in the morning.

Appeared in: DSSSB - 28 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

The correct phrase is 'has been working' because the sentence describes an action that started in the past and is still continuing in the present.
This tense, the Present Perfect Continuous, is formed with 'has/have + been + verb-ing'.
The use of 'since' (to indicate a starting point in time) is a key indicator for using perfect continuous tenses.

Option A: This is the simple past tense in the passive voice. The sentence requires an active voice and a tense that connects the past action to the present.
Option C: This is the Present Perfect tense. It is used for completed actions that have a result in the present. However, the continuous form is better here to emphasize the duration and ongoing nature of the work indicated by 'since'.
Option D: This is the Past Perfect Continuous tense. It is used to describe an action that was in progress before another action or time in the past. Since the main clause is in the present ('is tired'), this tense is incorrect.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain English Grammar: Verb Tenses (Present Perfect Continuous) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Clear communication is essential in any profession, including nursing. Using correct grammar ensures that notes, reports, and instructions are understood accurately.
Understanding verb tenses helps in accurately describing sequences of events, which is crucial when documenting patient history or the progression of symptoms.
What if? If the sentence was 'Yesterday, Resham was tired as she ___ since six in the morning,' the correct answer would be 'had been working' to reflect that both events occurred in the past.

How to Approach the Question

First, read the entire sentence to understand the context and the timing of the actions.
Identify the time markers in the sentence. Here, 'since six in the morning' indicates an action that started in the past and continues.
Notice the verb in the main clause. 'Resham is tired' places the result of the action in the present.
An action starting in the past and having a result in the present points towards a perfect tense. The word 'since' and the continuous nature of 'working' suggest the Present Perfect Continuous tense.
Review the options to find the one that correctly forms the Present Perfect Continuous tense: 'has been + verb-ing'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full DSSSB - 28 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.