Question

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word.
How many ____ are there?

• A. shoe
• B. pair of shoes
• C. pair
• D. pairs of shoes

Answer 1

The correct option is D pairs of shoes

In the given sentence, 'many' and 'are' indicates that the complete answer is plural. Thus, all the words in the answer must be plural.

Option A is incorrect. 'shoe' is singular and thus, cannot come after 'many' or before 'are'. Thus, it is incorrect.

Option B is incorrect. In 'pair of shoes', 'shoes' is plural and can come before 'are' but, 'pair' is singular and cannot come after 'many'. Thus, it is incorrect.

Option C is incorrect. 'pair' is singular and thus, cannot come after 'many' or before 'are'. Thus, it is incorrect.

Option D is correct. In 'pairs of shoes', 'pairs' is plural and can come after 'many' and 'shoes' is also plural and can come before 'are'. Thus, it fits in the blank and is the correct answer.