16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsMediumVerb tense for a general truth in the present

Standard English Conventions practice question

Water ____ at a lower temperature at high altitude, which is why mountain recipes call for longer cooking times.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

  1. A. boilsCorrect
  2. B. boiled
  3. C. will boil
  4. D. is boiling

Answer: A. boils

A general scientific fact takes the simple present: 'water boils'.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. boiled
'Boiled' is past, but the fact is timeless.
C. will boil
'Will boil' is future, not a standing fact.
D. is boiling
'Is boiling' describes an action in progress, not a general truth.

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