Extract:
Select the phrase that will make the following sentence grammatically correct.
Three days from now, the horses ___________.
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A
performing in a show
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B
performed in a show
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C
will perform in a show
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D
have performed in a show
The phrase "will perform in a show" makes the sentence grammatically correct by providing the future tense verb needed to match the time indicator "three days from now."
A) performing in a show
This present participle phrase lacks an auxiliary verb to form a complete predicate. "The horses performing" creates a sentence fragment without a main verb to express the action temporally.
B) performed in a show
Past tense "performed" conflicts with the future time marker "three days from now." Verb tense must align with temporal context; past action cannot occur in the future.
C) will perform in a show
Future tense "will perform" correctly matches the temporal context established by "three days from now." The modal "will" plus base verb "perform" creates a grammatically complete predicate expressing future action.
D) have performed in a show
Present perfect "have performed" describes completed past action with present relevance—temporally incompatible with a specified future time. This tense cannot reference events occurring days ahead.
Conclusion
Verb tense must align with temporal context markers. "Three days from now" demands future tense construction, making "will perform" the only grammatically appropriate choice that creates a complete predicate matching the specified timeframe.