Question:medium

Directions: In this question, a part of the given sentence has been underlined as this part may have an error. The first option is the same as the underlined part in the given sentence. Choose this option if you think that the underlined part has no error. Otherwise, choose the option that rectifies the error in the underlined part of the given sentence.
The pet store attendant asked Shraddha to stop \(\underline{\text{ tapped the aquariums as she was scaring the fish}}\) 

Updated On: Jun 30, 2026
  • Tapped the aquariums as she was scaring the fish.
  • Has tapped the aquariums as she was scaring the fish
  • Tapping the aquariums as she was scaring the fish
  • Tapped the aquariums as she would have been scaring the fish
  • Tapped the aquariums as she was being scared the fish.
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The correct answer is option (C):
Tapping the aquariums as she was scaring the fish

The correct answer is "Tapping the aquariums as she was scaring the fish". Let's break down why and analyze the error in the original sentence.

The original sentence's underlined portion is "tapped the aquariums as she was scaring the fish." The primary issue is the tense and the action. The sentence describes an ongoing action (scaring the fish) that is happening concurrently with another action.

* "Tapped" implies a completed action. Shraddha tapped the aquariums.
* "Tapping" (gerund form) indicates an ongoing action or an activity. "Tapping the aquariums" means she was in the process of tapping.

Because the scaring of the fish was happening *while* she was interacting with the aquarium, the action of interacting (tapping) should also reflect this continuous nature. Using the gerund "tapping" appropriately sets up the simultaneous nature of the two actions.

Let's look at why the other options are incorrect:

* "Has tapped the aquariums as she was scaring the fish" - This uses the present perfect tense ("has tapped"), implying the tapping happened and its effect is linked to the present. While the fish *may* still be scared, it does not clearly reflect the continuous nature of her interacting with the aquarium and scaring the fish simultaneously.
* "Tapped the aquariums as she would have been scaring the fish" - This implies a hypothetical situation or future possibility ("would have been"). It doesn't accurately represent the actual, ongoing situation.
* "Tapped the aquariums as she was being scared the fish." - This is grammatically incorrect and makes no sense. The fish are not being scared *by* Shraddha. She is scaring the fish.

Therefore, "Tapping the aquariums as she was scaring the fish" is the only option that accurately conveys the continuous nature of Shraddha's action and the fish's reaction, providing grammatical correctness and appropriate tense usage.
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