Choose the correct homonym to complete the sentence:
She ______ the story to her child at bedtime.
Option A: This can be a confusing option because of the irregular nature of the verb “read”. It is spelled the same in past and present tenses but pronounced differently. In case of the present tense, it is pronounced with an “ee” sound, as in “reed” or “seed”; in case of past tense, it is pronounced with an “e” sound, as in “red” or “bed”.
In this case the subject is singular and in third person. In such cases, the verbs in present tense are used with a “s” at the end, while those in past tense are used directly. Thus, it is the past tense “read” we are looking at, since it has no “s”. It makes a meaningful sentence and hence is the correct option.
Option B: “red” is a color. This is irrelevant in the given case. Hence, this option is incorrect.
Options C and D: “rode” and “ride” are different tenses of the verb “ride”, which refers to the act of sitting on something that is moving. This is irrelevant in the given case. Hence, this option is incorrect.