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Difficulty: HardPlural and Possessive Nouns and Pronouns

To determine the chemical composition of remote astronomical bodies, astrophysicists analyze the light filtering through their surrounding atmospheres. By studying how a ________ unique chemical signature absorbs specific wavelengths of stellar radiation, researchers can identify the presence of greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide, offering clues about the potential habitability of distant worlds.

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

  1. A
    planet
  2. B
    planets
  3. planet'sAnswer
  4. D
    planets'

Answer

planet's
The correct answer is the singular possessive noun 'planet's'. The singular article 'a' indicates that the noun must be singular. Furthermore, because this noun modifies the noun phrase 'unique chemical signature,' it must be possessive to establish ownership. The spelling 'planet's' correctly denotes singular possession.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine if the noun in the blank needs to be possessive.
The blank precedes the noun phrase 'unique chemical signature'. Since this signature belongs to the noun in the blank, a possessive form is required.
A possessive noun is needed to modify the noun phrase and show ownership.
2
Determine the grammatical number (singular or plural) of the noun.
The blank is preceded by the singular indefinite article 'a' and the verb 'absorbs' is singular. This requires a singular noun.
The noun must agree in number with its preceding article and context clues.
3
Select the correct singular possessive spelling.
The singular possessive form of 'planet' is 'planet's', formed by adding an apostrophe and 's'.
This spelling correctly identifies singular possession.

Key Concept

Selecting the correct noun form based on grammatical markers of possession and number (singular vs. plural).
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Topics

Plural and Possessive Nouns and Pronouns

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