In the following sentence, a part of the sentence is underlined. Below are given alternatives to the underlined part, which may improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative. In case no improvement is needed, choose the alternative that indicates 'No improvement.'
There had been over a thousands candidates, all vie in for the same position.
A. thousand candidates all vying
B. thousands candidates all vying
C. thousand candidates all trying
The sentence uses the form 'vie in', which is incorrect and needs improvement.
To vie for something means to compete eagerly to do or achieve something. e.g. All athletes vie for an Olympic Gold medal.$
The progressive form of 'to vie' is 'vying', which is also synonymous with 'trying'.$
The sentence uses the article 'a' before the numeric adjective 'thousand'. This suggests that it must be present in its singular form 'thousand' and not the plural form 'thousands'. So, B is incorrect.$
The only options that satisfy these conditions and improve the sentence are A and C.$
Therefore, the correct answer is option 3.