Question

Fill in the blank with the correct form of infinitive verb to complete the sentence:
He had rather _____ a doctor.

• A. consult
• B. consulted
• C. had consulted
• D. to consult

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

consult

In order to fill in the blank with the most suitable form of the infinitive, we need to understand the usage of 'had rather'. 'Had rather' is similar to would rather, which means preferring something or someone over the other. If 'had rather' is used in a passive (voice) sentence, we use the word 'to' along with the verb. In an active sentence, we do not use 'to' with the verb. The verbs without the marker 'to', are called bare infinitives.

As the given sentence is in the active voice, we will use the bare infinitive here.

Option B - Bare infinitive is a verb in its original form. As 'consulted' is the past form of the verb 'consult', we can't use it here. Hence, option B is incorrect.

Option C - 'Had consulted' is the past perfect form of the verb 'consult'. Hence, option C is incorrect.

Option D - 'To consult' can't be used here as the verb in its original form with the marker 'to'. As the sentence is in the active voice, we can't use the infinitive with 'to' here. Hence, option D is incorrect.

Option A - 'Consult' is a verb in its original form and is a bare infinitive. Hence, option A is the correct answer.

'He had rather consult a doctor.'