Question

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word.
He _____ ill for a long time.

• A. has had
• B. has been
• C. is
• D. were

Answer 1

The correct option is B has been

In the given sentence, the phrase 'for a long time' indicates that the action began a long time ago and is still going on. Thus, the answer must indicate that.

Option A is incorrect. 'has had' does not fit in the sentence as the the main verb 'had' cannot be used with 'ill'. One cannot have ill, it does not make any sense.

Option B is correct. 'has been' is in the present perfect tense. It indicates that the action began a long time ago and is still ongoing. It indicates that the subject fell ill a long time ago and is still ill. Thus, it is the correct answer.

Option C is incorrect. 'is' in the simple present tense. 'is ill' indicates that the subject became ill in the present and not a long time ago. Thus, it cannot be the answer.

Option D is incorrect. 'were' cannot be the answer as it can only be used for a plural subject. Also, it simply indicates that the subject became ill a long time ago but does not support the fact that he is still ill.