Final answer:
The correct form to complete the sentence is '(a) are coming', as it refers to a future arrangement with a specific time and place. The present continuous tense is commonly used for such future arrangements in English.
Step-by-step explanation:
To complete the sentence, 'My parents for dinner at my house at 6.30 p.m.', the correct choice would be option (a) are coming. This is because the sentence implies a future arrangement that has already been decided and planned. In English, we often use the present continuous tense to talk about future arrangements like appointments and meetings that have a set time and place.
For instance, a contraction that joins 'they' and 'are' can be used in the sentence 'They're leaving for the airport at 10:30,' where it means 'they are leaving'. This usage also demonstrates the present continuous tense, but with a contraction.
To delve into English usage further, let's tackle some practice in choosing the correct words for different sentences:
- It's important to know the difference between 'affect' and 'effect'. 'Affect' is a verb meaning to influence, while 'effect' is a noun referring to the result of a change.
- Using 'its' versus 'it's' can be tricky; 'its' is a possessive pronoun, while 'it's' is a contraction for 'it is' or 'it has'.
- Differentiating between 'their', 'there', and 'they're' is crucial as well. 'Their' is a possessive adjective, 'there' refers to a place, and 'they're' is a contraction of 'they are'.
Understanding these rules can enhance your writing skills and help you communicate more effectively.