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

Question

Accepted Answer

Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of finite and nonfinite verb forms within a sentence. The modal “would,” which indicates the future from a perspective in the past, should be accompanied by a nonfinite base form verb. In this choice, the nonfinite base form verb “create” is used correctly in conjunction with the nonfinite base form verb “increase” to describe what the lock would do. Choice A is incorrect because the finite present tense verb “creates” can’t be used in this way with the modal “would” to describe what the lock would do. Choice C is incorrect because the present participle “creating” can’t be used in this way with the modal “would” to describe what the lock would do. Choice D is incorrect because the finite past tense verb “created” can’t be used in this way with the modal “would” to describe what the lock would do.

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