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

Liza K.

[Mister Micawber]

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No, present perfect does not work in this sentence, Learner. 'Were' is the correct answer.
.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[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. :wink: