Question

Fill in the blank with the correct option. __________ (smell) something burning.

• A. am smelling
• B. was smelling
• C. smell
• D. have been smelling

Hint:

Verbs of perception such as see, hear, feel, smell, and taste are usually used in the simple present tense rather than the continuous form.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the verb “smell”.
The verb “smell” can function as a verb of perception. Verbs of perception such as see, hear, feel, taste, and smell are often used in the simple present tense rather than the continuous form when describing senses.

Step 2: Correct tense usage.
When someone becomes aware of a smell at the present moment, the correct grammatical form is the simple present tense. Therefore, the sentence should be written as: “I smell something burning.”

Step 3: Checking the options.

• (A) am smelling: Continuous form is generally not used with sense verbs.
• (B) was smelling: Past continuous tense, which does not fit the present context.
• (C) smell: Correct; simple present tense is appropriate.
• (D) have been smelling: Present perfect continuous, which is unnecessary here.

Step 4: Conclusion.
Thus, the correct sentence is: I smell something burning.

Final Answer: smell.