Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select 'No substitution required'.
The keys were lies on the table.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. lying on the table.
Correct Word/Phrase: Lying on the table
Meaning: In a resting position on the surface of the table.
Example sentence: The wallet was lying on the chair.
Meanings of the other options:
Lie on the table: Incorrect form; 'lie' is base form, but past continuous form is needed here.
No substitution required: Incorrect because the original phrase 'were lies' is grammatically wrong.
Lay on the table: Past tense of 'lie' or present tense of 'lay' (to put something down), but doesn't fit the continuous form required here.
Hence, the chosen option is correct.