Question

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word.
Do boys like _____ jeans?

a) wear
b) wearing
c) wore
d) worn

Answer 1

Hint: There are incomplete options. Sift through the given options to find the one that fits perfectly. It should be complete without any additional words like ‘to’. There is only one option that can work without an additional word.

Complete answer:
A gerund is any of various nonfinite verb forms in various languages; most often, but not exclusively, one that functions as a noun. This means that the verb also functions as a noun for the sentence. It is formed by adding ‘-ing’ to the root verb.

For example, with the given verb ‘like’, one has to use a non-finite verb after it. However, an infinitive cannot be used, as there is no mention of ‘to’ in the sentence. The only option we are left with is to use a gerund.

Now, let’s look at the given options:

a) wear - This would be the second half of an infinitive. However, because there is no ‘to’ in the sentence or the options, this option is incorrect.
b) wearing - This word is a gerund. It is a nonfinite verb, and it fits perfectly into the given sentence. So, this is the correct option.
c) wore - This verb is not a nonfinite verb. It will not fit into the given sentence. So, this is an incorrect option.
d) worn - This is also not a nonfinite verb. So, this is also an incorrect option.

Note:
 Make sure that the chosen option completes the given sentence. Incomplete options will change the sentence. Choose the verb that is in the correct form, and is grammatically correct.