Fill in the blank with the most appropriate option:
Since last year, Kohli Motors ______ the only garage open all night on this stretch of the highway.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → has been
Subject-verb agreement with the name of a firm:
- The name of one shop or firm takes a singular verb, even when the name is plural in form.
- “Kohli Motors” is one garage, as the words “the only garage” show. “Since last year” shows a state that goes on up to now. So the verb is has been.
- Complete sentence: Since last year, Kohli Motors has been the only garage open all night on this stretch of the highway.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: have been — Incorrect. “Have been” is plural, but “Kohli Motors” is one firm. Example: My parents have been customers of this garage for years.
Option 2: are — Incorrect. “Are” shows only the present. “Since last year” needs a form that goes from the past up to now. Example: The mechanics are busy today.
Option 3: were — Incorrect. “Were” shows the past. “Since last year” needs a form that goes from the past up to now. Example: The roads were empty last night.