Question

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word.
If he ____ really as happy as you say, why doesn't he smile occasionally?

• A. is
• B. were
• C. was
• D. be

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

is

As we can see, the verb 'happy' is incomplete. So, the answer must be an auxiliary that completes the verb 'happy'. Further, 'doesn't' indicates that the tense of the sentence is present and so, the answer must also be in the present tense.

Option A is correct. 'is' is an auxiliary verb in the present tense. Thus, it meets the required conditions and is the correct answer.

Option B is incorrect. 'were' is in the past tense and can only be used with plural subjects. Thus, it does not meet the required conditions and is incorrect.

Option C is incorrect. 'was' is an auxiliary in the past tense. Thus, it does not meet the required conditions and is incorrect.

Option D is incorrect. 'be' is an auxiliary but it cannot be used in this form or for present tense. It can be used in its infinitive form or along with the auxiliaries have or will. For example, I want to be a doctor; I will be late; It would be wrong. Thus, it is incorrect.