The ways in which this game can be played _________ potentially infinite. A. is B. is being C. are D. are being

GATE 2017 · General Aptitude · Tenses · medium

Answer: 'Are' — plural simple present verb agreeing with the plural subject 'ways'. Answer: C.

1. Identify the grammatical subject: Strip the relative clause: 'The ways ... [in which this game can be played] ... ___ potentially infinite.' Subject = 'The ways' = plural noun.
2. Choose singular or plural verb: Plural subject 'ways' requires a plural verb. 'Is' (A, B) is singular — eliminated. 'Are' (C, D) is plural — retained.
3. Choose simple or continuous: 'Potentially infinite' describes a permanent state, not an ongoing action. Simple present 'are' (C) is correct. Continuous 'are being' (D) implies a temporary ongoing process — inappropriate for a permanent state.
4. Select the answer: Only option C, 'are', satisfies both: plural agreement and simple present for a permanent state.