'they have been leaving for the airport' vs 'they were leaving for the airport'

[Liza K.]

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #95 "auxiliary verbs: was, did, have", question 3

They ......... leaving for the airport when I last saw them.

(a) was
(b) were
(c) did
(d) had

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #95 "auxiliary verbs: was, did, have", answer 3

They were leaving for the airport when I last saw them.

Correct answer: (b) were
_________________________

they have been leaving for the airport when i last saw them?

Liza K.

[Mister Micawber]

.
No, present perfect does not work in this sentence, Learner. 'Were' is the correct answer.
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mr. Micawber

[Harry Smiith]

They have been leaving for the airport when I last saw them?

Hi, in this sentence you have used Present Perfect Continuous which is in correct. The correct answer is of course "were leaving" i.e Past Continuous.