Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
sweep
B
are sweeping
C
were sweeping
D
sweeps
Explanation
Correct answer: D.
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-verb agreement. The singular verb "sweeps" agrees in number with the singular subject "she," which refers to Alice Coltrane.
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice A
Choice A is incorrect because the plural verb "sweep" doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject "she."
Choice B
Choice B is incorrect because the plural verb "are sweeping" doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject "she."
Choice C
Choice C is incorrect because the plural verb "were sweeping" doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject "she."