Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 100%

Select the best version of the underlined part of the sentence. If you think the original sentence is best, choose the first answer.

Despite the difficulties he had encountered, the mountain climber had no fear when it ________ to high mountains.

Rationale

Despite the difficulties he had encountered, the mountain climber had no fear when it came to high mountains.

The phrase "when it came" correctly uses the past tense to indicate that the climber's experiences and feelings about high mountains are reflective of a time in the past, aligning with the context of the sentence.

A (comes) YOUR ANSWER

Using "comes" suggests a present tense, which does not fit the context of the sentence. The climber's lack of fear is tied to past experiences, making present tense inappropriate for conveying this relationship.

B (came) CORRECT

This option is correct as it appropriately employs the past tense, indicating that the climber's fearlessness stemmed from past experiences with high mountains. It aligns with the overall narrative of the sentence, expressing a completed action.

C (has come) YOUR ANSWER

The present perfect tense "has come" implies a connection to the present, which disrupts the timeline of the climber's experiences. The use of present perfect is unsuitable here, as it does not reflect the climber's past encounters adequately.

D (had come) YOUR ANSWER

While "had come" is past perfect and suggests an action completed before another action in the past, it is overly complex for this sentence. The simpler past tense "came" effectively conveys the intended meaning without unnecessary complication.

Conclusion

The correct choice, "came," accurately captures the past context of the climber's experiences and feelings towards high mountains. The other options either misrepresent the timing of the action or complicate the sentence unnecessarily. Using the past tense maintains clarity and coherence in the narrative, reflecting the climber's journey and emotional state effectively.