The _______ recommendations were implemented by the board within weeks of the annual meeting.

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

A

shareholders'

B

shareholder's

C

shareholders

D

shareholders's

Correct Answer: A

Choice A is the best answer. This question tests apostrophe placement for plural possession.

  1. Context clues: Multiple shareholders made recommendations.
  2. Meaning: For plural nouns ending in "s," add only an apostrophe after the "s."
  3. Verify: "The shareholders' recommendations" correctly shows plural possession.

💡 Strategy: Plural possessives ending in "s" form: add only an apostrophe (shareholders').

Choice B is incorrect because "shareholder's" indicates singular possession. Choice C is incorrect because it lacks a possessive marker. Choice D is incorrect because "shareholders's" is not standard English.