Don’t disturb the principal. He . . . . . in his chamber.

Solution (By Examveda Team)

This question tests your understanding of verb tenses, specifically the present continuous tense.

Present Continuous Tense: The present continuous tense is used to describe actions happening now, at this moment in time. It's formed using the present tense of the verb "to be" (am, is, are) + the present participle (verb + -ing).

The sentence "Don't disturb the principal" indicates that something is happening at the present moment. The following clause needs a verb that reflects this ongoing action. "Is sleeping" perfectly conveys this: the principal is currently in the act of sleeping.

Why other options are incorrect:
A. sleeping: This is the present participle, but it lacks the auxiliary verb ("is") needed to form the present continuous tense. It would be grammatically incorrect and doesn't convey the ongoing action.
C. sleeps: This is the simple present tense, indicating a habitual action. While the principal might habitually sleep in his chamber, the sentence implies he's doing so *right now*.
D. slept: This is the simple past tense, referring to an action completed in the past. It doesn't fit the context of the sentence, which describes a present action.

Therefore, only "is sleeping" accurately reflects the ongoing action of the principal sleeping at the moment of speaking.