Question

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word.
Mary has been _______ English for three years.
A. Studied
B. Study
C. Studying
D. To study

Answer 1

Hint:The given sentence describes an event which started in the past an is still continuous. Therefore the tense used here is present perfect continuous. This is also evident by the adverb ‘has been’ used in the sentence. Therefore, we will choose an option which is the present perfect continuous form of the verb.

Complete answer:
Let us analyse each option individually to figure out the correct option.

Studied : The verb ‘studied’ is the simple past tense of the verb ‘study’. Example: He studied a lot for the exams. This option doesn’t fit the given sentence. Therefore, this is an incorrect option.

Study: The verb ‘study’ is the present form which means the act is happening presently. Example : I study fine arts. This option doesn’t fit the given sentence. Therefore, this is an incorrect option.

Studying : This form of verb is used to refer to the action taking place at the moment. When used with ‘has been’, it denotes something that started in the past and still continuous in the present. This is the exact expression we are looking for here for the given sentence . Therefore, this is the correct option.

To study : This option adds a motive towards the verb ‘study’. Example: I am going to study mathematics. This is not the intended option.

Hence, the correct answer is Option ‘C’.

Note: The final answer after implying the correct option is “Mary has been studying English for three years.” This perfectly explains the event of the studies Mary has been doing for three years. This exhibits the use of present perfect continuous form of tense.