Choose the correct word to complete the following sentence:
The village panchayat ______ holding its monthly meeting in the new community hall today.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → is
Group words with “its” take a singular verb:
- A group word like panchayat, team or committee takes a singular verb when the group acts as one unit.
- Here “its” shows that the panchayat acts as one body. “Today” shows the present. So the verb is is.
- Complete sentence: The village panchayat is holding its monthly meeting in the new community hall today.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 2: are — Incorrect. “Are” is plural, but “its” shows that the panchayat is one unit. Example: The members are sitting in the hall.
Option 3: were — Incorrect. “Were” is plural, but “its” shows that the panchayat is one unit. Example: The villagers were waiting outside.
Option 4: have been — Incorrect. “Have been” is plural, but “its” shows that the panchayat is one unit. Example: The chairs have been arranged in rows.