Grammar Practice: Choosing the Correct Verb Tense

This question tests our understanding of subject-verb agreement and the correct use of the present simple tense in English grammar.

Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement

In English, the verb in a sentence must agree with its subject in number. This means a singular subject needs a singular verb, and a plural subject needs a plural verb.

• Singular subjects include pronouns like 'he', 'she', 'it', and singular nouns like 'David', 'the cat', 'a book'.
• Plural subjects include pronouns like 'we', 'they', and plural nouns like 'David and Sarah', 'the cats', 'books'.

Analyzing the Sentence Context

The sentence is: "David always takes extra effort and ______ the assignments on time."

• Subject: The subject performing the action is "David". "David" is a third-person singular noun.
• Adverb of Frequency: The word "always" indicates a habitual action or a routine. This strongly suggests the use of the present simple tense.
• Parallel Structure: The sentence uses a conjunction "and" to connect two verbs related to David's actions: "takes" and the blank verb. Since "takes" is in the present simple tense (agreeing with "David"), the verb in the blank should also be in the present simple tense to maintain parallel structure.

Evaluating the Options

• 1. submit: This is the base form of the verb. It's used with plural subjects (e.g., "They submit") or in the infinitive form. It does not agree with the singular subject "David" in the present simple tense.
• 2. submitted: This is the past tense form of the verb. Since the sentence describes a habitual action using "always", the past tense is incorrect.
• 3. submits: This is the third-person singular present simple tense form of the verb. It correctly agrees with the singular subject "David" and fits the habitual context indicated by "always". The structure "David always takes... and submits..." is grammatically correct.
• 4. may submit: This uses a modal verb ("may") followed by the base form. While grammatically possible in other contexts, it changes the meaning to one of possibility rather than a stated habit. The combination "always... may submit" is less likely and less direct than the simple present tense for describing a consistent habit.

Conclusion

Based on the subject ("David"), the use of "always" indicating habit, and the need for parallel structure with "takes", the correct verb form is the third-person singular present simple tense.

Therefore, the most appropriate option to fill in the blank is submits.