French philosopher René Descartes doubted whether he could prove his own existence. Eventually, he found proof in his famous phrase

Question

French philosopher Ren&eacute; Descartes doubted whether he could prove his own existence. Eventually, he found proof in his famous phrase &ldquo;we think, therefore we am.&rdquo; The ______ blank complexity: only those who exist would be able to ponder their existence. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

Accepted Answer

Choice D is the best answer. The conventions being tested are the use of possessive nouns and the use of possessive determiners. The singular possessive noun "phrase&rsquo;s" correctly indies that there is only one simple phrase. The singular possessive determiner "its" agrees in number with the singular possessive noun "phrase&rsquo;s," reinforcing the idea that there is only one simple yet complex phrase. Choice A is incorrect because the context requires the singular possessive noun "phrase&rsquo;s," not the plural possessive noun "phrases&rsquo;." Choice B is incorrect because the context requires the singular possessive noun "phrase&rsquo;s" and the corresponding singular possessive determiner "its," not the plural noun "phrases" and the corresponding plural possessive determiner "their." Choice C is incorrect because the context requires the singular possessive determiner "its," not the plural possessive determiner "their."

Question 609089