Question

Directions: In this question, a part of the given sentence has been underlined as this part may have an error. The first option is the same as the underlined part in the given sentence. Choose this option if you think that the underlined part has no error. Otherwise, choose the option that rectifies the error in the underlined part of the given sentence.
The pet store attendant asked Shraddha to stop \(\underline{\text{ tapped the aquariums as she was scaring the fish}}\) 

• A. Tapped the aquariums as she was scaring the fish.
• B. Has tapped the aquariums as she was scaring the fish
• C. Tapping the aquariums as she was scaring the fish
• D. Tapped the aquariums as she would have been scaring the fish
• E. Tapped the aquariums as she was being scared the fish.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The given sentence asks us to identify any error present in the underlined part, which is a crucial skill for verbal and logical ability, especially in SSC, Banking, UPSC, and similar exams. The sentence is: "The pet store attendant asked Shraddha to stop \(\underline{\text{tapped the aquariums as she was scaring the fish}}\)". We need to check if the verb form and tense alignment are correct according to the context.

1. First, examine the requirement of the sentence: The pet store attendant is instructing Shraddha to "stop" doing an activity. The verb following "stop" should be in the gerund form to indicate an ongoing activity needing to halt.
2. The underlined segment "tapped the aquariums as she was scaring the fish" uses "tapped" in simple past. This is incorrect because "tapped" is not in the gerund form, whereas "tapping" should be used to indicate the activity to be stopped.
3. Correct sentence construction: The gerund form "tapping" properly aligns with the structure of instructing to stop an ongoing action: "stop tapping the aquariums".
4. Assessing the options:
   • Option 1: "Tapped the aquariums as she was scaring the fish" - uses incorrect verb form.
   • Option 2: "Has tapped the aquariums as she was scaring the fish" - does not use gerund, and introduces unnecessary present perfect tense.
   • Option 3: "Tapping the aquariums as she was scaring the fish" - correctly uses gerund form indicating an action that can be stopped.
   • Option 4: "Tapped the aquariums as she would have been scaring the fish" - misuses tense and doesn't correct the verb form.
   • Option 5: "Tapped the aquariums as she was being scared the fish" - grammatically incorrect and changes the meaning.
5. Correct choice: "Tapping the aquariums as she was scaring the fish" - It appropriately represents the continual action that was to be stopped.

Thus, the correct form is: "The pet store attendant asked Shraddha to stop tapping the aquariums as she was scaring the fish."