Understanding the Correct Answer: "Had Been Waiting"
When analyzing the sentence "They _____________ (wait) at the station for 90 minutes when the train finally arrived," the correct form is "had been waiting." This utilizes the past perfect continuous tense. Here's a detailed breakdown:
Past Perfect Continuous Tense
- Definition: This tense expresses an action that was ongoing in the past and was completed before another action occurred.
- Structure: It combines "had been" + the present participle (verb + -ing).
- Example in Context: "They had been waiting" indicates that their waiting started at some point in the past and continued up until the train's arrival.
Usage Explanation
- Duration: The phrase "for 90 minutes" specifies the length of time they were waiting, emphasizing that this action was not just a momentary event but an ongoing situation.
- Sequence of Events: The use of "when the train finally arrived" highlights that the waiting was completed at the moment the train arrived, making it clear that one past event (waiting) was ongoing until another past event (train arriving) occurred.
Contrast with Other Tenses
- Simple Past: If we used "waited," it would imply a completed action without the sense of duration or connection to the arrival of the train.
- Past Continuous: "They were waiting" would indicate the action was ongoing, but it lacks the sense of completion that the past perfect continuous provides.
Conclusion
Using "had been waiting" in this context effectively conveys the idea that the waiting was a significant duration that ended with the arrival of the train, providing clarity and depth to the narrative.