Fill in the blank with the most appropriate option:
That auto-rickshaw is carrying far too many schoolchildren and is leaning to one side; it ______ over at the next sharp turn.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → is going to tip
“Be going to” for a future seen from present signs:
- Its form is am / is / are + going to + base form.
- It shows a future event that we can already see coming from what is happening now.
- Clue word: “is carrying far too many schoolchildren and is leaning to one side” is the sign seen now.
- Complete sentence: That auto-rickshaw is carrying far too many schoolchildren and is leaning to one side; it is going to tip over at the next sharp turn.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: tips — Incorrect.
- “Tips” is the simple present.
- It shows a habit or a fact, not one future event seen coming from signs now.
- Example: This old chair tips over if you lean back on it.
Option 2: had tipped — Incorrect.
- “Had tipped” is the past perfect: had + past participle (V3).
- It shows an action finished before another past action, but the sharp turn is still ahead.
- Example: The cart had tipped over before the police arrived.
Option 4: has tipped — Incorrect.
- “Has tipped” is the present perfect: has / have + V3.
- It shows a finished action with a result now, but the tipping has not happened yet.
- Example: Oh no, the bucket has tipped over and the floor is wet.