In this question, fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the list provided. We are all hungry; we ...... anything to eat since morning.

Step 1: Analyze the question The sentence is: "We are all hungry; we ...... anything to eat since morning." We need the correct tense to fill the gap.

Step 2: Identify the key clue The word "since" (since morning) shows that an action began at a point in the past and continues up to now. The first clause, "We are all hungry," is in the present tense, so the time frame is the present.

Step 3: Explain the concept The present perfect tense (have/has + past participle) is used for situations that started in the past and continue to the present, especially with "since" and "for".

Examples:

• She has lived here since 2015.
• I haven't seen him since Monday.

Step 4: Test each option

• A. hadn't had is past perfect. It describes something before another past moment, but the sentence is set in the present. ✗
• B. never had is simple past and implies "never at any time", which doesn't fit "since morning". ✗
• C. haven't had is present perfect negative. It matches "since morning" and the present state of hunger. ✓
• D. didn't have is simple past. It does not link to the present and is not used with "since". ✗

Step 5: Answer The correct sentence is: "We are all hungry; we haven't had anything to eat since morning."

Exam tip: When you see "since" or "for" with a time period that continues up to now, think present perfect (have/has + past participle). Only use past perfect (had + past participle) if the sentence is clearly set in the past, such as "He was hungry because he hadn't eaten since morning."