The participants in the marathon were all amateur _________ hoping to beat their personal best times.

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writing

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

A

runner

B

athlete

C

runners

D

sprinter

Correct Answer: C

Choice C is the best answer. The subject "The participants" is plural, so the predicate noun must be plural ("runners").

Choice A is incorrect because "runner" is singular. Choice B is incorrect because "athlete" is singular. Choice D is incorrect because "sprinter" is singular.