Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
have reinforced
B
reinforces
C
are reinforcing
D
reinforce
Explanation
Correct answer: B.
Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-verb agreement. The singular verb “reinforces” agrees in number with the singular subject “the presence.”
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice A
Choice A is incorrect because the plural verb “have reinforced” doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject “the presence.”
Choice C
Choice C is incorrect because the plural verb “are reinforcing” doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject “the presence.”
Choice D
Choice D is incorrect because the plural verb “reinforce” doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject “the presence.”