Fill in the blank with the correct word from the options given below:-
Ravi, as well his sisters, always _____ his mother's permission before going out.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → seeks
Subject-verb agreement with "as well as":
- When two subjects are joined by "as well as", the verb agrees with the first subject.
- The part after "as well as" is extra information and does not change the verb.
- This sentence:
- First subject: Ravi, which is singular.
- So the verb takes the singular form seeks.
- To seek permission means to ask for it.
- Complete sentence: Ravi, as well as his sisters, always seeks his mother's permission before going out.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: seek — Incorrect. Seek is the plural form. It would agree with "sisters", but the verb must agree with Ravi.
Example: The children always seek their parents' advice.
Option 3: attempt — Incorrect.
- To attempt is to try to do something. One does not "attempt permission".
- It is also the plural form, which does not agree with Ravi.
Example: They attempt the hardest questions last.
Option 4: ask — Incorrect.
- The meaning is close, but ask is the plural form. A singular subject needs "asks".
- It is also more natural as "asks for permission".
Example: The twins always ask for help with their homework.
Contrast: with "as well as" the verb follows the first subject (Ravi ... seeks). With "and" the two subjects take a plural verb (Ravi and his sisters seek).