Step 1: Understanding the sentence meaning.
The sentence implies that someone made an attempt to take away a painting without permission. The correct verb for taking something unlawfully is “steal.”
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
- (a) steel: Refers to metal; incorrect spelling and meaning.
- (b) steale: Incorrect and non-existent form.
- (c) still: Means not moving; incorrect meaning.
- (d) steal: Correct spelling and meaning; fits the sentence context perfectly.
Step 3: Grammar and tense usage.
The infinitive “to” is always followed by the base form of the verb (V1). Here, “to steal” is grammatically correct.
Step 4: Constructing the correct sentence.
The complete sentence is: “They tried to steal the painting.”
Step 5: Conclusion.
Hence, the correct answer is (d) steal.