instruction:
In this task you are given a sentence. You must judge whether the main verb of the sentence is in present or past tense. Label the instances as "Present" or "Past" based on your judgment. If there is no verb in the given text, answer "Present".
question:
He stiffened his shoulders and began to back away, but the taunting inner demon rose up and whispered its warning.
answer:
Past


question:
At any moment he feared the boat might overturn, but it continued on smooth and steady.
answer:
Past


question:
I thanked him, took the list, and ordered breakfast.
answer:

Past