Select the option that will improve the highlighted part of the given sentence.
He denied if he had caused the accident.

Correct option is D

The correct substitution of the highlighted part is (d) that he had.
✅ Explanation:
The verb "deny" is not followed by "if" when expressing denial of a fact or action.
The correct and grammatically accepted usage is:
· "He denied that he had caused the accident."
�� "Deny" + that-clause is used to refute or reject an accusation or statement.
(Hindi: उसने यह नकारा कि उसने दुर्घटना की थी।)
Grammatical Rule Used:
"Deny" is followed by either:
1. Deny + that + clause
2. Deny + verb + ing form (gerund)
Examples:
· He denied that he stole the money.
· She denied breaking the vase.
❌ Why other options are incorrect:
· (a) not to had – Grammatically incorrect structure. "Not to have" would be better, but still doesn't suit this context.
· (b) of having – Would be correct if the sentence were "He denied having caused the accident," but the given sentence structure doesn't support this insertion directly.
· (c) No improvement required – Incorrect. "Denied if..." is non-standard usage in formal grammar.
�� Grammar Booster Tip:
�� Common verbs like deny, admit, suggest, recommend are often followed by "that-clause" or gerunds, depending on the sentence.
�� Avoid using “if” after "deny", unless used in a different context like conditional questioning.