Fill in the blanks with appropriate words: "They ........ all dead", he muttered himself.

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is (4): are to

The phrase "are to" is used here to express a state or condition, specifically that "They are all dead." The verb "are" is the present tense form of "to be," which is appropriate given the present tense "muttered" in the surrounding sentence ("he muttered himself," implying a past action describing a current state). The word "to" functions as a preposition indicating a state or destination. In this context, it simply completes the statement about their state of being. The full sentence, "They are to all dead," while grammatically unusual in modern English, is a formal or archaic way to express the state of being dead, often conveying a sense of finality or destiny.

The incorrect option is (1): were at
"Were at" would imply a past location ("They were at the party") or a past state if used with a verb ("They were at play"). It doesn't fit the context of describing the state of being "dead" in this sentence.

The incorrect option is (2): are of
"Are of" is typically used to indicate origin, composition, or belonging ("They are of noble birth," "The rings are of gold"). It does not convey the meaning of a state of being dead.

The incorrect option is (3): were for
"Were for" suggests purpose or support in the past ("They were for the proposal"). It is grammatically incorrect in this context to describe a state of death.