Meaning: 'Is' is the third person singular present form of 'to be,' used to indicate existence or identity.

Wrong options:

• being: 'Being' is a gerund that does not function as a verb in this context and does not fit grammatically.
• whom: 'Whom' is a pronoun used for objects, which does not fit as a verb in this sentence.
• where: 'Where' is an adverb indicating place, which does not fit grammatically in this context.
• best: 'Best' is an adjective that does not serve as a verb and does not fit in this sentence.
• price: 'Price' is a noun that does not fit grammatically as it does not serve as a verb.
• end: 'End' is a noun that does not fit grammatically as it does not serve as a verb.

Correct answer: whom

Explanation: The word 'whom' is used as an object pronoun referring back to 'two children.' It fits grammatically and contextually as it indicates the people Richard has left behind.

Meaning: 'Whom' is used to refer to the object of a verb or preposition, in this case, the children.

Wrong options:

• being: 'Being' is a gerund that does not function as a pronoun and does not fit in this context.
• where: 'Where' is an adverb indicating place, which does not fit as a pronoun in this sentence.
• is: 'Is' is a verb and does not serve as a pronoun, making it grammatically incorrect here.
• best: 'Best' is an adjective that does not fit as a pronoun in this context.
• price: 'Price' is a noun that does not fit as a pronoun in this context.
• end: 'End' is a noun that does not fit as a pronoun in this context.

Correct answer: best

Explanation: The term 'best' is used as a superlative adjective to describe the longest duration of time that Emily has not seen her husband. It fits grammatically and contextually.

Meaning: 'Best' refers to the most significant or longest part of something, in this case, the time apart.

Wrong options:

• being: 'Being' is a gerund that does not fit as an adjective in this context.
• whom: 'Whom' is a pronoun and does not fit as an adjective in this context.
• where: 'Where' is an adverb indicating place, which does not fit as an adjective in this context.
• price: 'Price' is a noun that does not fit grammatically as an adjective.
• is: 'Is' is a verb and does not fit as an adjective in this context.
• end: 'End' is a noun that does not fit as an adjective in this context.

Correct answer: price

Explanation: The word 'price' is used as a noun to indicate the cost or sacrifice associated with the time apart. It fits grammatically and contextually as it conveys the idea of a trade-off.

Meaning: 'Price' refers to the amount of money or value required for something, but in this context, it metaphorically represents a sacrifice.

Wrong options:

• being: 'Being' is a gerund that does not fit as a noun in this context.
• whom: 'Whom' is a pronoun and does not fit as a noun in this context.
• where: 'Where' is an adverb indicating place, which does not fit as a noun in this context.
• best: 'Best' is an adjective that does not fit as a noun in this context.
• is: 'Is' is a verb and does not fit as a noun in this context.
• end: 'End' is a noun but does not convey the idea of a sacrifice or cost in this context.

Correct answer: end

Explanation: The word 'end' is used as a noun to indicate the conclusion or final part of the situation being discussed. It fits grammatically and contextually as it refers to the outcome of their sacrifice.

Meaning: 'End' refers to the final point or conclusion of something.

Wrong options:

• being: 'Being' is a gerund that does not fit as a noun in this context.
• whom: 'Whom' is a pronoun and does not fit as a noun in this context.
• where: 'Where' is an adverb indicating place, which does not fit as a noun in this context.
• best: 'Best' is an adjective that does not fit as a noun in this context.
• price: 'Price' is a noun but does not convey the idea of a conclusion or final part in this context.
• is: 'Is' is a verb and does not fit as a noun in this context.