Question

Fill in the blank with the appropriate indicative verb.
When we __________the receiver, a bell starts ringing at the other end.
A) Lifted
B) Lift
C) Will lift
D) Would lift

Answer 1

Hint: In the above question we have to first understand what an indicative verb is in order to fill the right option from the given options such that the sentence is grammatically correct. Indicative verbs are the verbs that either make a statement, deny or ask a question i.e. they indicate something.

Complete answer:
Let us look at the given options:
A) Lifted - Incorrect option. Since in the second half of the sentence the verbs are given in present tense ‘starts’ and in the continuous tense ‘ringing’, therefore, the verb in the blank will be filled by the word in the present tense. However, lifted is a past form of the verb.
B) Lift - Correct option. Since in the second half of the sentence the verbs are given in present tense ‘starts’ and in the continuous tense ‘ringing’, therefore, the verb in the blank will be filled by the word in the present tense. ‘Lift’ is the present form of the verb and forms a statement therefore, it is the right option.
C) Will lift - Incorrect option. Since in the second half of the sentence the verbs are given in present tense ‘starts’ and in the continuous tense ‘ringing’, therefore, the verb in the blank will be filled by the word in the present tense. However, will lift is a future form of the verb.
D) Would lift - Incorrect option. Since in the second half of the sentence the verbs are given in present tense ‘starts’ and in the continuous tense ‘ringing’, therefore, the verb in the blank will be filled by the word in the present tense. However, would lift is the past form of the verb.

Thus the option B is the correct answer. The statement will be ‘ When we lift the receiver, a bell starts ringing at the other end.

Note: Indicative moods of the verb are most commonly used. It can be given in any tense present, past or future. The only thing that is required is that it makes a statement and the sentence remains grammatically correct.