Choose the most appropriate phrase to complete the sentence correctly: Mrs. Ramsay did not know whether Miss Jane knew _________.

Introduction / Context:
This English grammar question checks your understanding of verb patterns and how certain verbs, such as “know”, combine naturally with gerunds and infinitives. The sentence focuses on expressing knowledge of a skill, in this case, the ability to swim. You must select the phrase that makes the sentence grammatically correct and idiomatic.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The subject is Mrs. Ramsay.
• She is unsure about Miss Jane's knowledge or ability.
• The missing phrase relates to the skill of swimming.
• The structure must follow “know + object” in a natural way.

Concept / Approach:
In English, the verb “know” can be followed by a noun, a gerund (verb + ing used as a noun), or patterns like “know how to + verb”. In Indian English, “know swimming” is a standard, accepted usage that treats “swimming” as a noun-like activity. Alternatives like “know to swim” or “know how to swimming” do not follow correct patterns.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Look at the core idea: Does Miss Jane have the skill of swimming?Check “swimming”: “know swimming” is commonly used to mean “know how to swim”.Check “to swim”: “know to swim” is awkward and rarely used; it usually needs “how” before it.Check “him to swim”: this wrongly introduces “him” and breaks the meaning of the original sentence.Check “how to swimming”: this is grammatically wrong; it should be “how to swim”, not “how to swimming”.Therefore, the best option that produces a natural and acceptable sentence is “swimming”.

Verification / Alternative check:
Read the full sentence with the chosen option: “Mrs. Ramsay did not know whether Miss Jane knew swimming.” This is a clear, standard way (especially in Indian English) to say that Miss Jane may or may not know how to swim. No other option forms a fully correct and natural sentence.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“To swim” would require “how” to be correct: “knew how to swim”, which is not provided in the options. “Him to swim” changes the meaning and introduces an extra pronoun. “How to swimming” is grammatically incorrect because “how to” must be followed by the base form of the verb, not a gerund.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners often confuse patterns like “know swimming” and “know to swim”, or try to mix structures (“how to swimming”). It is important to remember that “how to + base verb” is correct, while “know swimming” is an accepted shorthand form meaning “know how to swim”.

Final Answer:
The correct phrase to complete the sentence is swimming.