Question 49·Easy·Form, Structure, and Sense
During a recent interview, the novelist explained that her latest book ______ from her earlier works in its emphasis on intergenerational friendship.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
For Standard English verb-form questions, first find the subject of the verb in the blank and decide whether it is singular or plural; then look at the surrounding context to determine the time frame (past, present, or ongoing fact). Eliminate any answer choices that are the wrong type of word (participles, infinitives) or do not agree with the subject, and then choose the tense that best matches the meaning of the sentence, especially in reported-speech structures like "explained that..." where present tense is often kept for ongoing truths.
Hints
Check the subject
Look at the noun right before the blank in the clause after "that." Is it singular or plural? Your verb must match that.
Notice the time frame
The interview happened in the past, but think about whether the relationship between her latest book and her earlier works is still true now.
Identify the type of verb needed
After "explained that," do you need a main verb in standard tense form, or a participle or infinitive? Which options can actually serve as the main verb of that clause by themselves?
Eliminate by form first
Cross out any choices that cannot grammatically complete the clause, then decide between the remaining options based on tense and meaning.
Step-by-step Explanation
Locate the clause and the subject
Focus on the part of the sentence with the blank: "...explained that her latest book ______ from her earlier works...".
In this clause, the subject of the verb in the blank is "her latest book", which is singular.
Decide what kind of verb form is needed
After "explained that," we need a full (finite) verb that can serve as the main verb of the clause.
- It must agree with the singular subject "book."
- It must fit the time meaning: her latest book is still her latest book and is still unlike her earlier works, so this is an ongoing situation, not something finished in the past.
Eliminate verb forms that cannot be the main verb
Check each option’s form:
- "differing" is a participle; by itself it cannot serve as the main verb of this clause (we would need something like "is differing," which is awkward here).
- "to differ" is an infinitive; after "explained that," we do not use an infinitive as the main verb.
So both of these are grammatically inappropriate in this spot and can be eliminated.
Choose the best tense and agreement
Now compare the two past/present options that can be main verbs:
- "differed" is simple past, which makes the difference sound like it was only true at the time of the interview.
- "differs" is simple present, which correctly shows a current, ongoing contrast: her latest book is different from her earlier works.
Because we want a present-tense verb that agrees with the singular subject "book" and expresses an ongoing fact, the correct choice is D) differs.