Question the-su

3.2 Form, Structure, and Sense - Modifier placement and clarity
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The sun never sets during the Arctic summer in the Far North. In response, reindeer in this region must change their sleep habits. Instead of resting when it gets dark, they rest when they need blank their food.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A.

digest

B.

will digest

C.

to digest

D.

digesting

The sun never sets during the Arctic summer in the Far North. In response, reindeer in

Medium-difficulty · SAT Reading & Writing · Form, Structure, and Sense — Modifier placement and clarity. Read the question above, select your answer, and check the full explanation below to understand exactly why the correct choice works.

Answer explanation

Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of nonfinite verb forms within a sentence. Working together with the finite verb "need," the nonfinite to-infinitive verb "to digest" is correctly used to form a subordinate clause that describes what the reindeer need.

Choice A is incorrect because the verb "digest" (in either its finite or nonfinite form) can’t be used in this way with the finite verb "need." Choice B is incorrect because the finite verb "will digest" can’t be used in this way with the finite verb "need." Choice D is incorrect because the nonfinite participle "digesting" can’t be used in this way with the finite verb "need."