Which is the appropriate simple present tense for: "My brother __...
Understanding the Simple Present Tense
The simple present tense is used to describe habitual actions, general truths, and current situations. It is formed by using the base form of the verb, but when the subject is third person singular (he, she, it), we add an "s" or "es" to the verb.
Analyzing the Sentence
In the sentence "My brother __________ in Paris," we need to determine the correct form of the verb "live."
Subject-Verb Agreement
- The subject "My brother" is a singular noun.
- According to the rules of subject-verb agreement in English, singular subjects require the verb to be in the third person singular form.
Options Breakdown
- a) Live: This is the base form of the verb and is not appropriate for a singular subject.
- b) Lives: This is the correct form. The verb "live" is modified to "lives" to match the singular subject "brother."
- c) Living: This is a gerund or present participle form of the verb and does not fit the sentence structure.
- d) None of the above: Incorrect because option b is valid.
Conclusion
Thus, the correct answer is option b) Lives. The sentence should read: "My brother lives in Paris." This correctly uses the simple present tense to indicate a current state of residence.