Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined words in the following sentence.
He will be looking as if he has not slept.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. He looks.
- The original sentence is in the future continuous tense ("will be looking"). This tense suggests an ongoing action in the future.
- However, the key here is the use of "as if," which introduces a hypothetical or unreal condition.
- When expressing hypothetical or unreal conditions, English often uses the simple present tense to convey a general truth or a habitual action.
- In this context, the use of "He looks" suggests an ongoing state that is habitual or characteristic of the person, creating a more natural and idiomatic expression.
- Therefore, "He looks" is the most appropriate option, as it aligns with the sense of an ongoing condition suggested by the original sentence, considering the hypothetical nature introduced by "as if."