Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined words in the given sentence.
It is a general belief that the female ostrich guard the nest at night.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. guards the nest at night.
Guards the nest at night is a suitable option.
The statement, which is in the present tense, sums up a common belief or routine behaviour. As a result, the verb must agree with the subject and be in the present tense.
"Guards the nest at night" is used, as the word "female ostrich" is singular and "guard" requires the third-person singular form of the verb, "guards."
Compared to other options:
Guarded the nest at night: The past tense used in "Guarded the nest at night" is inappropriate given the context of a common belief.
"Does guard the nest in night": It is awkward and too dramatic; it also uses "in" for time instead of "at."
"Is guarding the nest at night": The present continuous tense in "Is guarding the nest at night" suggests that an activity is taking place right now rather than that it is a routine.