Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
underlies
B
is underlying
C
underlie
D
has been underlying
Explanation
Correct answer: C.
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-verb agreement. The plural verb "underlie" agrees in number with the plural subject "frameworks."
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice A
Choice A is incorrect because the singular verb "underlies" doesn’t agree in number with the plural subject "frameworks."
Choice B
Choice B is incorrect because the singular verb "is underlying" doesn’t agree in number with the plural subject "frameworks."
Choice D
Choice D is incorrect because the singular verb "has been underlying" doesn’t agree in number with the plural subject "frameworks."