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

Question

The city's first subway line ____ in 1913, and within a decade daily ridership had passed a million.

Accepted Answer

A. opened. The sentence recounts an event in 1913, so the past tense 'opened' is required.

Answer

B. opens — The present tense clashes with the date 1913 and 'within a decade' that follows.

Answer

C. opening — 'Opening' leaves the sentence without a main verb.

Answer

D. will open — The future tense contradicts the historical date.

Standard English Conventions practice question