16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsVery hardSubjunctive after 'it is vital that'

Standard English Conventions practice question

It is vital that the sample ____ kept cold until it reaches the laboratory.

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

  1. A. beCorrect
  2. B. is
  3. C. was
  4. D. will be

Answer: A. be

'It is vital that' takes the subjunctive 'be'.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. is
Indicative.
C. was
Past indicative.
D. will be
Future indicative.

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