They _____ the news by the time you reach there.
Answers
Answer:
Here, 'were surprised' in simple past tense is correct because it is used to indicate an action that has already been completed. Here, the news of defeat has already come (an event that happened in past). Thus, 'were surprised' is correct.
'Is surprised' in simple present tense is incorrect because it is used to indicate a future event on a designated date as a part of the plan. Example: He is surprised at the course of events that were unfolding.
'Have been surprised' in present perfect continuous tense is incorrect because it is used to indicate an action that started at some point in the past and may or may not be complete.
Example: The candidates have been surprised at the election results.
'Surprised' does not fit in the sentence.
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