44. Select the correct word for the blank in the following sentence: The dog wagged ______ tail when the food dish was filled.
Answer: C
The dog wagged its tail when the food dish was filled.
Using "its" correctly indicates possession, referring to the tail belonging to the dog. This form is appropriate in the context of the sentence, as it describes the dog's action.
A) the
Using "the" would imply a specific tail, but it does not convey ownership. The sentence would not correctly express that the tail belongs to the dog, making this option incorrect.
B) one's
"One's" suggests a general possessive form that is not suitable in this context. It does not specifically refer to the dog, leading to ambiguity and incorrect grammar in the sentence.
C) its
"Its" is the correct word to use here, as it is the possessive form of "it," indicating that the tail belongs to the dog. This choice fits grammatically and contextually, making it the appropriate selection.
D) it's
The contraction "it's" means "it is" or "it has," which does not fit the context of the sentence. Using "it's" would create confusion and disrupt the intended meaning, rendering this option incorrect.
Conclusion
The correct answer is "its" because it accurately denotes possession of the tail by the dog, aligning with the grammatical structure of the sentence. Other options either fail to indicate ownership or misrepresent the intended meaning, confirming that "its" is the only suitable choice.