Direction: Each of the following sentences in this section has a blank space and four words or group of words given after the sentence. Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the Answer sheet accordingly. He looks as if he ______ weary
is
Understanding Verb Usage After "As If"
The sentence provided is "He looks as if he ______ weary". This sentence uses the phrase "as if" to make a comparison or express how something appears. The clause that follows "as if" describes the manner in which the subject looks.
Rules for Verbs Following "As If"
When using "as if", the verb that follows depends on whether the clause expresses something that is true or likely (indicative mood) or something that is hypothetical or untrue (subjunctive mood).
- Indicative Mood: If the "as if" clause expresses something that is real, likely, or presented as a fact, the verb is typically in the indicative mood. The tense usually matches the main verb or reflects the actual time frame of the "as if" clause.
- Subjunctive Mood: If the "as if" clause expresses something that is contrary to reality, hypothetical, or doubtful, the subjunctive mood is often used. In modern English, the past subjunctive form 'were' is commonly used for all persons and numbers, regardless of the subject, especially after verbs in the present or past tense.
Analyzing the Sentence: "He looks as if he ______ weary"
The main verb is "looks", which is in the present simple tense. The "as if" clause describes his apparent state.
Let's examine the options:
- is: Using "is" (present indicative) suggests that his appearance indicates that he *is* currently weary. This is a common and grammatically correct construction when the appearance points to a potentially real or likely current state. For example, if someone looks tired, you might say, "He looks as if he is tired."
- was: Using "was" (past indicative) would suggest that his current appearance indicates that he *was* weary in the past. While grammatically possible in specific contexts, it's less likely the intended meaning here, which is about his current state based on his current look.
- would be: Using "would be" suggests a conditional or hypothetical future state. It doesn't fit naturally after "as if" when describing a perceived current state based on looks.
- were: Using "were" (past subjunctive) suggests that his appearance gives the impression of weariness, but implies that he is perhaps *not* actually weary (a hypothetical or contrary-to-fact situation). For example, "He acts as if he were the boss" (but he isn't). While "were" is also possible after "as if" to express a hypothetical look, "is" is typically used when the speaker believes the look corresponds to reality or simply states the apparent reality without implying the opposite.
Given the options and the common usage where the appearance reflects a likely current state, "is" is the most appropriate and direct fit, indicating that his look suggests he is currently weary.
Conclusion for Verb Choice
In the sentence "He looks as if he ______ weary", the word that best fits, indicating that his appearance suggests he is currently weary, is "is".
| Option | Verb Form | Type | Meaning in Context | Appropriateness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| is | Present Indicative | Real/Likely State | His look suggests he is currently weary. | Most appropriate for expressing likely reality based on appearance. |
| was | Past Indicative | Past State | His look suggests he was weary (in the past). | Less likely meaning for a description of current appearance. |
| would be | Conditional | Conditional/Future State | Not a standard fit after "as if" for perceived current state. | Inappropriate. |
| were | Past Subjunctive | Hypothetical/Unreal | His look suggests weariness (possibly implying he isn't). | Possible, but "is" is more direct for expressing apparent reality. |
Therefore, the completed sentence is: He looks as if he is weary.
Revision Table: Key Grammar Concepts
| Concept | Explanation | Example with "as if" |
|---|---|---|
| "As If" Clause | Introduces a clause describing appearance or manner, often involving comparison. | He ran as if he were chased by a bear. |
| Indicative Mood | Used for stating facts or likely situations. | It looks as if it is going to rain. (Likely reality) |
| Subjunctive Mood | Used for hypothetical, unreal, or desired situations. Past subjunctive 'were' is common. | She acts as if she were queen. (Contrary to fact) |
Additional Information: Using "As Though"
The phrase "as though" is a synonym for "as if". The same rules regarding indicative and subjunctive moods apply to "as though" clauses.
- He looks as though he is weary. (Indicative, suggesting reality)
- He acts as though he were rich. (Subjunctive, suggesting unreality)
Both "as if" and "as though" can be followed by either the indicative or subjunctive mood, depending on whether the speaker intends to convey reality/likelihood or unreality/hypothesis.
Similar Questions
The sentence has a blank space and four words or group of words given after the sentence. Select the word or group of words you consider the most appropriate for the blank space.
The Election Commission on Saturday _____ that the Assembly elections in five states will be held from November 12 to December 7.
The sentence has a blank space and four words or group of words given after the sentence. Select the word or group of words you consider the most appropriate for the blank space.
The victims were fruit vendors and they were going in an auto when they _____ an accident on the way.
The sentence has a blank space and four words or group of words given after the sentence. Select the word or group of words you consider the most appropriate for the blank space.
Scores of villagers are __________ a sit-in protest against the construction of a new underpass.
The sentence has a blank space and four words or group of words given after the sentence. Select the word or group of words you consider the most appropriate for the blank space.
It is common for patients to stop _____ medicine as soon as they start feeling better.
The sentence has a blank space and four words or group of words given after the sentence. Select the word or group of words you consider the most appropriate for the blank space.
A four-year-old girl got a new lease of life after doctors at a hospital ______ a cancerous tumour from one of her kidneys.
Each of the following sentences in this section has a blank space and four words or group of words given after the sentence. Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space.
The cops ______ murder by kin.
Direction: Each of the following sentences in this section has a blank space and four words or group of words given after the sentence. Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
The tired traveller ______ on in the hope of finding some resting place.
Direction: Each of the following sentences in this section has a blank space and four words or group of words given after the sentence. Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
They gave a ______ dinner to celebrate the occasion, which impressed every guest.
Directions:Each of the following sentence in this section has a blank space and four words or group of words given after the sentence. Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the Answer sheet accordingly.
The result of the prolonged discussion was _______
Directions:Each of the following sentence in this section has a blank space and four words or group of words given after the sentence. Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the Answer sheet accordingly.
You are lucky ______ in the 20 th century.
Important Questions from Fill in the Blanks
Directions: Fill in the blanks with the word that best completes the sentence.
With a less rapid expansion of the economy, we should make________ progress toward stable price levels.
Directions: Fill in the blanks with the word that best completes the sentence.
At times he gets very angry, and then no one can_______ him.
Each of the following sentences has a blank space and four words are given below it. Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response accordingly.
Many people today have fallen into utter confusion of values with the result that they cannot______ the good from the bad.
Each of the following sentences has a blank space and four words are given below it. Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response accordingly
If Mohan________ at 5 a.m., he would not have missed the train.
Each of the following sentences has a blank space and four words are given below it. Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response accordingly.
His property was divided ______ his daughters and sons.
