Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is option 3 i.e. were admitting.
Grammar Concept: The sentence is in past continuous context, referring to an ongoing action in the past
Explanation:
Subject: the railways
Verb: were admitting (past continuous of admit)
The sentence refers to a progressive action in the past affecting the narrator’s business
Option Analysis:
had been admitted – passive past perfect, incorrect here
has been admitted – present perfect, tense mismatch
were admitted – passive past, incorrect voice
Correct Choice: were admitting – active past continuous, grammatically correct and contextually suitable
Final Sentence: My sales were poor, as the railways were admitting more peddlers on the platforms
Conclusion: were admitting is the most appropriate option for blank 1