Multiple choice

Directions: The following sentences test correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of each sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath each sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice A repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice A. If not, select one of the other choices.

When Jack Wilton first had come to Marois Bay, none of us dreamed that he was a man with a hidden sorrow in his life.

  1. first had come to

  2. had been coming to

  3. would first come to

  4. first came to

  5. was first come to
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Justification for (4): This option uses the simple past tense 'came to' which is consistent with 'dreamed' in the non-underlined portion. Further, 'first' conveys the correct meaning 'in the beginning'.   

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