English · Subject Verb Agreement
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Complete the sentences by choosing the most appropriate word, from the given lettered choices (A to E) below each.
Children are _____ the stairs.
- A
Running up and down
- B
Runs up and down
- C
Up and down running
- D
Up running and down running
- E
Up and down
The correct answer is Option A: 'Running up and down'. This phrase correctly uses the present participle 'running' to describe the continuous action of the children. It matches the plural subject 'children' without adding unnecessary complexity or incorrect verb forms.
Option B is incorrect because 'runs' is a singular form of the verb, which does not agree with the plural subject 'children'. Option C is incorrect because the phrase 'up and down running' disrupts the natural order needed to clearly convey the action. Option D is incorrect due to its redundant and awkward structure, making it grammatically unsound. Option E lacks a verb, leaving the sentence incomplete and thus incorrect.
This option is correct as it uses the present participle 'running' with the proper phrase structure, describing continuous action. This option is incorrect because 'runs' is a singular verb form and does not match the plural noun 'children'. This option is incorrect because it does not follow the natural word order for describing an action. This option is incorrect as it is redundant and awkwardly structured. This option is incorrect because it lacks a verb, making the sentence incomplete.Tagged under English · Subject Verb Agreement · 2012