Question

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word:
The old man can't stand _____ the bus to work.
A. Riding
B. Ride
C. The ride
D. Sitting

Answer 1

Hint:A verb is a word that in syntax conveys an action, an occurrence, or a state of being. In the usual description of English, the basic form, with or without the particle to, is the infinitive. In many languages, verbs are inflected to encode tense, aspect, mood, and voice.

Complete answer:
The sentence specifies a state of action that ‘the old man can’t stand.’ As the sentence talks about the state of action, and not the action itself, it requires a noun or a gerund. The gerund always has the same function as a noun (although it looks like a verb). The gerund ends in ‘ing.’ As Option A fulfils this requirement, so it is the correct answer. All the other options cannot be used as they would make the sentence meaningless.

Hence the correct answer is option ‘A’.

Note:The most common types of verbs are-
Main Verbs (or Action Verbs)- Main verbs or action verbs are used to express action; something that an animal, a person or a thing does. In each of the following sentences, we only have a main verb. Example- The sun shines.
Helping Verbs- As the name suggests, helping verbs help or support the main verb. Example- You should complete the work by tomorrow. (should: helping verb; complete: main verb)
Linking Verbs- State of Being verbs state that something 'is'. State of being verbs also known as linking verbs. Linking verbs explain a link between the subject of the sentence and a noun or adjective being linked to it. Example- The flowers are bright.