Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. A professor begins class by holding up a glass of water.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Option A (began): This is the Simple Past form of the verb. Using it changes the sentence from a general statement to a description of a past event: "A professor began class by holding a glass of water.
B) beginning: A verb ending in -ing cannot act as the main verb of a sentence without an auxiliary verb (like "is" or "was").
C) is began: This is incorrect. "Is" cannot be paired with the past tense "began."
D) was begins: This is also incorrect. "Was" cannot be paired with the present tense "begins."