40. Select the correct word for the blank in the following sentence: The dog wagged its tail when the food dish was filled.
Answer: C
Its is the correct word to use in the sentence.
Using "its" indicates possession, referring to the dog having a tail. This aligns with the context of the sentence, where the tail belongs to the dog.
A) the
Using "the" would not convey possession and would make the sentence grammatically incorrect in this context. "The" is a definite article and does not fit where a possessive pronoun is required.
B) one's
The word "one's" implies possession in a more general sense and is not suitable for referring specifically to the dog. This makes it incorrect in the context of the sentence that specifically mentions the dog.
C) its
"Its" is the correct possessive pronoun to use here, as it indicates that the tail belongs to the dog. This is the most accurate choice for conveying the intended meaning of the sentence.
D) it's
"It's" is a contraction for "it is" or "it has," which does not fit the structure of the sentence. Using "it's" would alter the meaning and render the sentence grammatically incorrect.
Conclusion
The word "its" is the only option that correctly indicates possession, aligning with the context of the sentence about the dog. All other options either misrepresent possession or alter the meaning, making them unsuitable for this context. Thus, "its" is definitively the correct choice.