complete the sentences with the correct options from the list below:
They said that ....about 20 candidates for the job of a shorthand typist
They said that ....about 20 candidates for the job of a shorthand typist
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Correct Answer: Option C
Explanation:
> "They said that ____ about 20 candidates for the job of a shorthand typist."
The sentence is referring to a past situation where the number of candidates for the job was mentioned, so we need a phrase that fits in the past tense.
Now, let's look at the options:
- A. they were — This refers to "they" being the subject, but we’re talking about the candidates, so "they were" doesn’t fit the structure. Incorrect.
- B. it will be — This refers to the future tense and doesn't fit the context of a past statement. Incorrect.
- C. there were — This is the correct phrase. "There were" is used when stating the existence of something in the past. Correct.
- D. it was — This doesn't work because the sentence structure needs to refer to the candidates (plural), and "it" is singular. Incorrect.
- E. there are — This refers to the present tense, which doesn’t match the past tense context. Incorrect.
> "They said that ____ about 20 candidates for the job of a shorthand typist."
The sentence is referring to a past situation where the number of candidates for the job was mentioned, so we need a phrase that fits in the past tense.
Now, let's look at the options:
- A. they were — This refers to "they" being the subject, but we’re talking about the candidates, so "they were" doesn’t fit the structure. Incorrect.
- B. it will be — This refers to the future tense and doesn't fit the context of a past statement. Incorrect.
- C. there were — This is the correct phrase. "There were" is used when stating the existence of something in the past. Correct.
- D. it was — This doesn't work because the sentence structure needs to refer to the candidates (plural), and "it" is singular. Incorrect.
- E. there are — This refers to the present tense, which doesn’t match the past tense context. Incorrect.