Question

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word.

I tried _____ her flowers but it didn't have any effect.

• A. to send
• B. sending
• C. sent
• D. to be sent

Answer 1

The correct option is B sending

Gerunds are words that are formed with verbs but act as nouns. Gerunds also at times are seen to end in 'ing'. In this particular sentence, the word in the blank acts a noun thus becoming the subject of the sentence and also like a verb by taking up the object. This means that in the blank, we would need a gerund.

Option B: Sending is a gerund as it plays a dual role

Option A: Send is in the present tense. It is the wrong option

Option C and D: Sent is the past tense. It is the wrong option

Option B is correct