Question

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word.
I usually watch TV, but at present, I _____ to the radio.
(a)Am listening
(b)Listened
(c)Listening
(d)Will listen

Answer 1

Hint: In the given sentence, the words 'at present' clearly show that the tense of the sentence is present tense. At the same time, the sentence indicates that the subject’s activity is currently ongoing. Thus, the correct answer will be in the present continuous tense. Accordingly, choose the option.

Complete answer: The present continuous, also called the present progressive, is a verb form used in modern English that combines the present tense with the continuous aspect. It can be employed in both the indicative and subjunctive moods. Approximately 5% of verbs in spoken English are in the present continuous form. The present continuous can also be used to show that an action is going to take place in the near future.
Now let us analyze the given options: Option(a) ‘Am listening’ is absolutely the correct answer. ‘Am listening’ is in the present continuous tense as per the requirement of the question. It indicates that the subject usually watches TV, but he or she is currently listening to the radio. Thus, it is the correct answer.
Option(b) ‘Listened’ is an incorrect answer. ‘Listened’ is in the past tense whereas the sentence requires present continuous tense. Thus, using ‘listened’ will make the tense of the sentence inconsistent and using Option B would also be wrong grammatically. Hence, it is an incorrect answer.
Option(c) ‘Listening’ is incorrect. ‘Listening’ is in the present continuous tense but, it is an incomplete verb since it does not contain an auxiliary, which is required. Thus, using this option will make the sentence grammatically wrong. Thus, Option C is not an appropriate answer.
Option(d) ‘Will listen’ is again the incorrect answer. ‘Will listen’ refers to the future tense and not the present continuous tense. Therefore, using Option D will make the tense of the sentence inconsistent and the sentence will make no sense. Hence, it is the wrong answer.
Therefore, option a is the correct answer.

Note: The structure of the Present Continuous tense is subject + auxiliary be + main verb. For negative sentences, we insert not between the auxiliary verb and the main verb. For question sentences, we exchange the subject and the auxiliary verb.