Through the process of photosynthesis, plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create their own food. This removing ability allows plants __________ and provides oxygen for other living things to breathe.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Explanation
Context: The verb "allows" sets up the fixed pattern allow + object + infinitive: "allows plants __________ and provides oxygen."
Answer: A) to grow
Why? "Allow" takes a to-infinitive — "allows plants to grow" — completing the idiom correctly.
Traps:
- B) having grown → perfect participle; "allows plants having grown" is not idiomatic English.
- C) growing → breaks the allow + to-infinitive pattern.
- D) grows → finite verb would need its own subject and clause, which the sentence doesn't provide.