Choose the correct form of the word to complete the sentence:
Nobody ____ out this kind of trick before in the history of this circus.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → has carried
Present perfect with a singular subject:
- Nobody is an indefinite pronoun. It is singular and takes a singular verb (has, is, does).
- "Before", with "in the history of this circus", speaks of experience from the past up to now, which needs the present perfect: has/have + past participle.
- Two-step check: 1. agreement: "nobody" is singular → has. 2. tense: "before" → present perfect.
- This sentence: singular "nobody" + present perfect = has carried (out).
- Complete sentence: Nobody has carried out this kind of trick before in the history of this circus.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: carry — Incorrect. This is the base form. It does not agree with the singular "nobody" and gives no present perfect sense with "before".
Example: Porters carry heavy loads at the station.
Option 3: have carried — Incorrect. This is the present perfect for a plural subject (or I/you). "Nobody" is singular.
Example: The workers have carried the boxes upstairs.
Option 4: is carrying — Incorrect. This is the present continuous, for an action going on now. It cannot go with "before in the history of this circus".
Example: The boy is carrying a heavy bag today.
Contrast: "has carried" is the singular present perfect that "nobody" and "before" need. "Have carried" is for a plural subject, and "is carrying" is an action going on now.