Before they will sit down and resume bargaining, the strikers demand

Hi Aarushi, the correct structure is:

...that the management halt..and release...

What is incorrect is:

...that the management halt..and releases...

Basically the correct construct here uses (what's called as) subjunctive. Our book EducationAisle Sentence Correction Nirvana discusses Subjunctive, its application and examples in significant detail. If you or someone is interested, PM me your email-id; I can mail the corresponding section.

Dear Friends,

Here is a detailed explanation to this question-



Choice A: In Option A, we see a parallelism error between the verbs "halt" and "releases"; to be parallel, two verbs must be in the same tense. Thus, Option A is incorrect.

Choice B: Option B, in a similar manner as Option A does, also presents a parallelism error between "halt" and "releasing". Furthermore, this answer choice changes the meaning of the sentence by using the conjunction "but", rather than "and". Thus, Option B is incorrect.

Choice C: Option C utilizes the correct verb form, "release", maintaining parallelism with the verb “halt”. Moreover, Option C preserves the intended meaning of the sentence through the use of the proper conjunction “and”. Thus, Option C is correct.

Choice D: Option D also features a parallelism error between the verbs "halt" and "releasing", as Option B does. Moreover, the use of the phrase "in addition to" makes this answer choice needlessly wordy. Thus, Option D is incorrect.

Choice E: Option E uses the correct verb form, "release", but commits the same conjunction error that Option B does. Thus, Option E is incorrect.

Hence, C is the best answer choice.

It is worth noting here that this sentence employs the subjunctive mood for the verbs "halt" and "release", as they are actions called for through the verb "demand". Remember, the subjunctive mood is employed for all orders, suggestions, and requests.

To understand the concept of “Subjunctive Mood on GMAT”, you may want to watch the following video (~20 minutes):



All the best!
Experts' Global Team