Topic: Right Form of Verb,

Best Answer Explained in Below-:

The correct answer to the question "He worked instead of (play)" is option D: "Playing." This choice is appropriate due to the grammatical structure required in this context.

In English, the phrase "instead of" is typically followed by a gerund—a verb form that ends in "-ing"—which functions as a noun. The gerund emphasizes the action being replaced by something else. In this case, "playing" serves as the gerund form of the verb "play" and is used correctly in the context of replacing or opting out of an action.

The other options do not fit the grammatical requirements of the sentence. Option A, "Having played," implies a completion of the action, which does not align with the structure of "instead of." Option B, "Play," is in the base form and does not suit the need for a noun in this context. Option C, "Played," is the past tense but also fails to function as a noun.

Thus, "He worked instead of playing" clearly indicates that the action of working replaced the action of playing, making option D the correct and grammatically consistent choice.