Question

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word.
Don’t disturb them. They _____ to an important lecture.
a- listened
b- listen
c- are listening
d- have listened

Answer 1

Hint: We use the present continuous tense to indicate an unfinished action taking place at the moment. It can also be used to highlight definite future plans.

Complete answer:
In the given question: We can conclude that X and Y are listening to an important lecture because the speaker has stated not to disturb them.
Now, let’s examine the given options-
Option a- ‘Listened’ is an incorrect option because it is given in the simple past tense form of the verb, ‘listen’. It indicates that the action took place in the past and has been completed. For example- I had listened to your audio last week.
Option b- ‘Listen’ is an incorrect option because it is the base form of a verb. Also, it is used to indicate actions that have been completed or will be completed in the present tense. For example- They listen very carefully.
Option c- ‘Are listening’ is the correct option because it is given in the present continuous tense and it indicates an action taking place at the moment.
Option d- ‘Have listened’ is an incorrect option because it is given in the present perfect tense of the verb, ‘listen’. It indicates an action that will take place sometime in the future.
The correct answer is Option ‘c’.

Note:
The structure of present continuous is; subject + Is/am/are + ing form of the verb + Object. For example- She is writing her exam right now. Here, we can conclude that X is writing her exam at the moment or the time of speaking.