16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsEasy–MediumBase form after 'able to'

Standard English Conventions practice question

The new analyst was able to ____ the code within an hour.

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

  1. A. crackCorrect
  2. B. cracked
  3. C. cracking
  4. D. cracks

Answer: A. crack

After 'able to', the verb takes its base form: 'able to crack'.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. cracked
'able to cracked' puts a past form after 'to'.
C. cracking
'able to cracking' is not a standard form.
D. cracks
'able to cracks' adds an -s the infinitive doesn't take.

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