Choose the correct verb form to fill in the blank:
This small packet of namkeen ______ more salt than Dadaji is allowed in a whole day, so Dadi hides it from him.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → contains
Simple present of “contain”:
- Verbs of having or holding, like contain, own and belong, do not take -ing.
- They show a state, not an action, so they stay in the simple form.
- The salt is in the packet now, so the simple present “contains” is right.
- Clue words: “is allowed” and “hides”, which keep the sentence in the present.
- Complete sentence: This small packet of namkeen contains more salt than Dadaji is allowed in a whole day, so Dadi hides it from him.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: is containing — Incorrect.
- This is the present continuous.
- “Contain” shows a state, so it does not take -ing.
- Example: The children are playing in the park.
Option 2: has been containing — Incorrect.
- This is the present perfect continuous.
- It also uses -ing, which “contain” does not take.
- Example: He has been running for an hour.
Option 4: was containing — Incorrect.
- This is the past continuous.
- It also uses -ing, which “contain” does not take.
- Example: Meera was cooking when the lights went out.