16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardVerb tense for an event completed before another past event

Standard English Conventions practice question

When the lifeboat reached the walkers, the water ____ to their waists.

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

  1. A. had risenCorrect
  2. B. has risen
  3. C. rises
  4. D. is rising

Answer: A. had risen

The rise was complete before the past-tense 'reached': past perfect.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. has risen
Present perfect clashes with 'reached'.
C. rises
Present tense.
D. is rising
Present progressive.

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