Fill in the blank with the most appropriate option:
On our boat ride at Varanasi, the guide told us that the Ganga ______ into the Bay of Bengal.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → flows
Simple present for a general truth:
- A fact that is always true takes the simple present, even after a past reporting verb like “told”.
- Clue word: “the Ganga ... into the Bay of Bengal” is a fact of geography, true at all times.
- Complete sentence: On our boat ride at Varanasi, the guide told us that the Ganga flows into the Bay of Bengal.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 2: had flowed — Incorrect.
- “Had flowed” is the past perfect: had + past participle (V3).
- It shows an action finished before another past action, but the river still flows today.
- Example: The flood water had flowed into the fields before the wall was built.
Option 3: was flowing — Incorrect.
- “Was flowing” is the past continuous.
- It shows an action going on at one past moment, not a fact that is always true.
- Example: The river was flowing fast when we crossed the bridge.
Option 4: has flowed — Incorrect.
- “Has flowed” is the present perfect: has / have + V3.
- It joins a past action with now.
- It does not state a fact that is true at all times.
- Example: Rain water has flowed into the basement again.