1. It is of the utmost importance that the confidential documents ______ securely.

2. By this time next month, our team ______ on this research project for exactly a year.

3. Rarely ______ such a blatant disregard for the safety regulations in this industry.

4. If only the witness ______ more cooperative during the initial hearing last week.

5. I’d rather you ______ the truth to the board members when they asked you yesterday.

6. The CEO is rumored ______ his resignation at the upcoming shareholders' meeting.

7. Not until the sun had set ______ to head back to the base camp.

8. The suspects ______ for three hours before the police finally arrived at the scene.

9. It is vital that the patient ______ any solid food for at least twelve hours before surgery.

10. Suppose the alarm ______ off, what would you have done to stop the intruder?

11. No sooner ______ the contract than he realized he had been deceived.

12. The masterpiece is estimated ______ by an unknown artist in the late 17th century.

13. I ______ you a ride to the airport, but my car was at the mechanic's all day.

14. ______ the instructions carefully, he managed to assemble the complex machine.

15. The board insisted that the project manager ______ a detailed report by Friday.

16. You ______ me you were coming! I would have prepared a proper dinner.

17. Never ______ such a magnificent performance in all my years as a theater critic.

18. If the dam ______ years ago, the recent flood damage would have been much worse.

19. The athlete is said ______ several banned substances during the competition.

20. It’s high time we ______ the reality of the situation instead of ignoring it.

21. Scarcely ______ the room when everyone started whispering about her.

22. I would rather ______ that job offer; I’m so unhappy in my current position now.

23. The child was seen ______ the cookies when he thought no one was looking.

24. I don't recall ______ that specific email; could you please resend it?

25. Only when the rain stopped ______ to go for a walk in the park.