The correct option to complete the sentence is
C. there were.
Step-by-Step Explanation:
- Understanding the Sentence Structure:
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The sentence begins with "They said that..." which indicates that what follows is a reported speech. In reported speech, we often convey information that someone else has stated.
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Identifying the Subject:
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The phrase "about 20 candidates for the job of a shorthand typist" is the subject of the sentence. We need a verb that correctly relates to this subject.
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Analyzing the Options:
- A. they were: This option suggests that "they" (the people who said something) were a certain number of candidates. However, this does not fit the context because "they" are not the candidates; they are reporting on the candidates.
- B. it will be: This option implies a future tense, suggesting that there will be candidates in the future. However, the context of the sentence indicates that the statement is about a current or past situation, not a future one.
- C. there were: This option correctly uses the phrase "there were," which is a common way to indicate the existence of something in the past. It fits perfectly because it states that at some point in the past, there were about 20 candidates.
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D. it was: This option is grammatically incorrect in this context. "It was" does not convey the existence of multiple candidates; instead, it suggests a singular subject, which does not match the plural "20 candidates."
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Why C is the Best Choice:
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"There were" is the correct phrase to indicate that a certain number of candidates existed at a specific time. It is a standard construction in English used to express the presence of multiple items or people.
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Common Pitfalls:
- A common mistake is to confuse the subject of the sentence with the verb form. In this case, the subject is "about 20 candidates," which requires a verb that agrees with a plural subject.
- Another pitfall is misunderstanding the tense required. The sentence is reporting something that has already been said, so a past tense verb is necessary.
Revision Summary:
- The correct answer is C. there were because it indicates the existence of multiple candidates in the past.
- "They were" and "it was" do not fit the context as they misidentify the subject.
- "It will be" incorrectly suggests a future scenario, which is not applicable here.
- Always ensure the verb agrees with the subject in number (singular vs. plural) and tense (past vs. future).