Question

Problem Is the underlined verb or verb phrase in the simple, progressive, or perfect aspect? Maxim skillfully piloted the boat past the reef. Choose 1 answer: Choose 1 answer: (Choice A) A Perfect (Choice B) B Simple (Choice C) C Progressive

Answer 1

There is no underlined verb but, since the only verb in the sentence is "piloted", we can safely answer this question.

Answer:

The underlined verb is in the B. simple aspect.

Explanation:

In the sentence "Maxim skillfully piloted the boat past the reef," the verb is "piloted". This verb is inflected in the simple past tense. Notice that it has no auxiliaries whatsoever. If the auxiliary "have" were in the sentence, be it in the present, past or future, we would have a perfect tense. If we had "to be" as an auxiliary, and if "to pilot" ended in -ing, we would have a progressive tense. Since neither is the case, we have a simple tense.