Question

Choose the correct word/phrase to complete the sentence:
Sonu _______ Dennis of stealing his treasure.
a) scolded
b) accused
c) blamed
d) shouted

Answer 1

Hint: A verb is a content word that denotes an action, occurrence, or state of existence. The verb is the word class that serves as the predicate of a sentence.

Complete answer:
In the given question, we have to select the verb in the options given to us which correctly shows us how Sonu claimed that Dennis stole his treasure.
Let us thus analyze the options given to us in this question:
Option (a.), 'scolded', refers to ‘censure severely or angrily’.
Therefore, option (a.) is incorrect as Sonu did not scold Dennis in the context provided to us.
Option (b.), ‘accused', refers to ‘blame for, make a claim of wrongdoing or misbehavior against; asserting that someone is guilty of a fault or offence.’
Therefore, option (b.) is correct as ‘accuse’ is the verb most commonly used when someone levels an accusation or charge against another person.
Option (c.), ‘blamed', refers to ‘an accusation that you are responsible for some lapse or misdeed’.
Therefore, option (c.) is incorrect as ‘accused’ fits more in the sentence, even though both are synonyms.
Option (d.), ‘shouted', refers to ‘in a vehement outcry’. Therefore, option (d.) is incorrect as Sonu is not portrayed to be ‘shouting’ at Dennis. Moreover, if this would’ve been correct, there would be the preposition ‘at’ present after the blank.

Note:
In this question, it would be helpful for the student to understand why ‘accuse’ is more appropriate than ‘blame’. An accusation is not just an assertion, it can also be a formal charge of wrongdoing brought against a person; the act of imputing blame or guilt.