In the following headline, give the correct form of the verb in the parentheses: Five Israeli hostages (free)*1 pointA. freeB. freesC. freed

1. Break Down the Problem

Identify the correct verb form to fit the context of the sentence. The subject "Five Israeli hostages" is plural, which will help dictate the verb form.

2. Relevant Concepts

In English, the verb must agree in number with its subject. For plural subjects, the base form of the verb is typically used in the present tense, while the past tense would take 'ed'.

3. Analysis and Detail

• "free" is the base form of the verb.
• "frees" is the third person singular present form.
• "freed" is the simple past form.

Since "Five Israeli hostages" is plural, the correct verb form that aligns with the subject in present tense would be "free."

4. Verify and Summarize

Since the subject is plural, the present tense verb that fits correctly is "free."

Final Answer

A. free