Question

He didn’t ride his bike since we lived here. A. He didn’t ride his bike since we lived here. B. He hasn’t ridden his bike since we’ve lived here. C. He hasn’t rode his bike since we’ve lived here. Answer D. He has not rode his bike since we lived here. E. He didn’t ride his bike since we’ve lived here.

Short answer

B. He hasn’t ridden his bike since we’ve lived here.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the error in the original sentence

The original sentence uses 'didn't ride', which is not correct when indicating an action that has continued from a point in the past to the present.

Determine the correct verb tense

The correct verb tense for an action that started in the past and continues to the present is the present perfect tense. This tense is formed using 'has' or 'have' plus the past participle of the verb.

Identify the correct past participle of 'ride'

The past participle of 'ride' is 'ridden', not 'ride' or 'rode'.

Combine the correct tense with the correct participle

The present perfect tense of 'ride' is 'has ridden'.

Ensure consistency with the second clause

The phrase 'since we’ve lived here' uses present perfect tense, which matches with 'has ridden'. Therefore, the correct sentence is: 'He hasn’t ridden his bike since we’ve lived here.'

Key concepts

Present Perfect Tense

The present perfect tense indicates an action that began at some point in the past and is relevant to the present moment. It is formed using 'has' or 'have' followed by the past participle of the verb. For example:

- I have eaten breakfast today.
- She has learned how to play the piano.

Use present perfect tense when talking about experiences, changes over time, or accomplishments that have impact or relevance now. For example:

- They have lived here for ten years.
- Scientists have discovered a new planet.

In our exercise, 'He hasn’t ridden his bike since we’ve lived here,' we use present perfect tense to connect the ongoing situation (not riding the bike) to the period of living in the current place.

Past Participle

A past participle is a verb form that is used in perfect tenses and passive voice. For example, the past participle of 'walk' is 'walked', while the past participle of 'ride' is 'ridden'.

These forms are crucial in forming the present perfect tense:

- He has walked to the store.
- She has ridden her bike.

In our exercise, knowing that 'ridden' is the past participle of 'ride' helps us correctly form the sentence: 'He hasn’t ridden his bike since we’ve lived here.' Note that incorrect forms such as 'rode' or 'ride' cannot be used in present perfect tense.

Verb Tense Consistency

Verb tense consistency means using the same tense throughout a sentence or a passage to correctly convey the timing of actions and states. If the timing changes, the tense should reflect this clearly.

Inconsistent verb tenses confuse the reader. For example:

- Correct: She was going to the store when she realized she forgot her wallet.
- Incorrect: She was going to the store when she realizes she forgot her wallet.

In our exercise, maintaining consistency between 'hasn’t ridden' (present perfect tense) and 'since we’ve lived here' (also present perfect tense) is important. This consistency accurately shows that both actions are relevant to the present.