Understanding the Sentence Structure
The sentence "He ___ finished his work before the deadline" is implying a past action concerning whether the work was completed on time. The choice of the negative form depends on the tense being used.
Analyzing the Options
- a) hasn't: This is the present perfect tense. It implies that the action has relevance to the present moment, which doesn't fit the context of a specific past deadline.
- b) hadn't: This is the past perfect tense. It indicates that the work was not finished prior to another past event (the deadline). This is the correct choice because it aligns with the context of a completed action in the past.
- c) didn't: This is the simple past tense. While it can convey that the action did not occur at all, it does not specifically indicate the relationship with the deadline as effectively as "hadn't."
- d) doesn't: This is the simple present tense, which is irrelevant to the context since the sentence refers to a completed action in the past.
Why "hadn't" is Correct
Using "hadn't" accurately conveys that the work was not completed before the deadline in the past, establishing a clear timeline and context. It shows that the action was relevant to another past action (the deadline), making it the most appropriate choice in this scenario.
Conclusion
In summary, option "b" (hadn't) is the correct negative form because it aligns with the past perfect tense needed to express the relationship between the work and the deadline effectively.