Choose the correct option to fill in the blank in the given sentence:
This column _________ twice weekly in the newspaper that I subscribe to.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → appears
Simple present for a regular action:
- The simple present is used for habits, routines and events that happen regularly.
- Clue word: "twice weekly". The column comes out regularly, so the simple present appears (singular, agreeing with "this column") is needed.
- Complete sentence: This column appears twice weekly in the newspaper that I subscribe to.
Example: Her cartoon appears on the front page every Sunday.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: is appearing — Incorrect. The present continuous describes an action going on now or a temporary arrangement, not a regular routine.
Option 2: was appeared — Incorrect. "Appear" is intransitive (it takes no object), so it has no passive form; "was appeared" is not English.
Option 4: appearing — Incorrect. A participle alone cannot be the main verb of a sentence; it needs a helping verb ("is appearing").
Contrast: the simple present for what happens regularly (appears twice weekly); the present continuous for what is going on now (is appearing).