Out of the given alternatives given choose the most appropriate option.
They ________ her and trusted her for years.

Correct option is C

The correct option to fill in the blank is (c) knew.
• Explanation:
– The sentence is in the past tense as it refers to an action that happened "for years" and is now complete.
– "Knew" is the simple past form of "know" and fits grammatically with the sentence.
• Grammatical rule used:
– Use simple past tense for completed actions in the past without reference to another past action.
• Explanation in Hindi:
– जब कोई कार्य भूतकाल में पूरा हो चुका हो और कोई दूसरा भूतकालीन कार्य उससे जुड़ा न हो तो Simple Past Tense का प्रयोग होता है।
• Example:
– They knew her since college. ✅
Meanings of the other options:
• (a) know ❌
– English: Present tense – not suitable here.
– Hindi: जानते हैं
• (b) had known ❌
– English: Past Perfect – used with reference to another past action.
– Hindi: जानते थे (किसी और भूतकालीन घटना से पहले)
• (d) known ❌
– English: Past participle – incorrect without auxiliary.
– Hindi: जाना गया (लेकिन अकेले प्रयोग गलत है)