Sentence improvement (reported process: backshift to past perfect in a “how”-clause) Original sentence: "We demonstrated to them how we ___ the artistic patterns." Choose the option that yields clear past sequence and grammatical form.

Verbal Ability Sentence Correction Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
  • A
    are prepared
  • B
    have prepared
  • C
    are preparing
  • D
    had prepared
  • E
    No correction required

Answer

Correct Answer: had prepared

Explanation

Timeline

  • Main action: “We demonstrated …” (simple past).
  • Earlier action: preparation of artistic patterns occurred before that demonstration.

Concept/ApproachTo show an action completed prior to a past reference point, use the past perfect: had prepared.

Option analysishad prepared — correct backshift and aspect. ✅are prepared / are preparing — present (simple/progressive); wrong time.have prepared — present perfect; wrong reference time.

Final Answer“… how we had prepared the artistic patterns.”

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