Question

I didn't .......................... where he was going.

• A. know
• B. knew
• C. knowing
• D. will know

Hint:

This is a very common grammar rule and a frequent source of errors. Remember: Don't use two past tense forms together. `Did` + `know`, not `did` + `knew`.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question again tests the rule for verb forms following the auxiliary verb 'do' (in this case, 'did') in a negative statement.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
The structure is: Subject + did + not + [base form of the verb].
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The sentence uses the contraction "didn't", which is "did not". The auxiliary 'did' already carries the past tense meaning. Therefore, the main verb that follows must be in its base form.
The base form of the verb is 'know'.
- (A) know: This is the base form. Correct.
- (B) knew: This is the simple past tense form. Incorrect.
- (C) knowing: This is the present participle. Incorrect.
- (D) will know: This is the future tense form. Incorrect.
The correct sentence is: "I didn't know where he was going."
Step 4: Final Answer:
After "didn't", the base form of the verb ('know') must be used. Therefore, option (A) is correct.