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sahilmshah92
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sahilmshah92
I was stuck between Option (B) and Option (E), and finally selected Option (E) as I thought that since the event took place in the past, "had denied" is the right usage, but it is incorrect.

Could someone please help explain how is Option (B) the correct answer?

P.S: Is it because the last part of the sentence focuses on the present and that is why the Present perfect tense should be used?

The answer is B because the denial should be in present perfect as the denial is up to the current date.
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Thank you so much for the quick response guys!

I'm glad I came across this question because it made me realize that I have not understood something fundamental in Past Perfect and Present Perfect tense.

So I googled the 2 tenses and from my current understanding, I'd just like to confirm what I just learned.

Am I right to say that in the above question, the answer choice should be in Present perfect because of the "time-clue" that refers to the present, i.e. brings the relevance of a past action to the present? And the time-clue being, "we may never know what secrets the Great Pyramid still holds."
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In 1993, Egyptologists using a mechanized robot discovered a small door in the Great Pyramid that are believed to lead to a series of tunnels under the pyramid: however, the Egyptian government has denied the archaeologists' request to open the door so we may never know what secrets the Great Pyramid still holds.

A. are believed to lead to a series of tunnels under the pyramid; however, the Egyptian government has denied
B. is believed to lead to a series of tunnels under the pyramid; however, the Egyptian government has denied
C. are believed to lead to a series of tunnels under the pyramid; however, the Egyptian government was denied
D. are believed to lead to a series of tunnels under the pyramid; however, the Egyptian government had denied
E. is believed to lead to a series of tunnels under the pyramid; however, the Egyptian government had denied

that refers to a small door. Therefore are is incorrect and we can eliminate A, C and D.

Between B and E, there is only a difference of present perfect and past perfect.
Past perfect: we use it for two related events one after the other. the earlier event we use had and followed by simple past tense. We can not see two related events here.
Present perfect: we use it for continuing action/ continuing effect/ indefinite time. In this the effect is still there. The govt has denied and still we are not able to open the door. So use of present perfect is correct.

B is correct
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Hello from the GMAT Club VerbalBot!

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