The correct option to complete the sentence "The hill behind the town was so steep ...." is
D. that no man could find a foot-hold on it.
Step-by-Step Explanation:
- Understanding the Sentence Structure:
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The phrase "The hill behind the town was so steep" sets up a cause-and-effect relationship. The word "so" indicates a degree of steepness that leads to a consequence, which is that finding a foot-hold is difficult or impossible.
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Analyzing the Options:
- A. that no man could find a foot-hold on: This option is almost correct but lacks the preposition "it" at the end, which makes it sound incomplete. It does convey the intended meaning but is not grammatically complete.
- B. that any man could find a foot-hold on it: This option is incorrect because it contradicts the meaning of the sentence. The use of "any man" suggests that finding a foot-hold is easy, which is the opposite of what the sentence intends to convey.
- C. for no man to find a foot-hold on: This option is awkward and less common in English. The phrase "for no man to find" does not fit well with the structure of the sentence and sounds unnatural.
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D. that no man could find a foot-hold on it: This option is grammatically correct and clearly conveys the intended meaning. It indicates that the steepness of the hill makes it impossible for anyone to find a secure place to stand.
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Why Option D is Correct:
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Option D uses the correct structure: "so steep that..." which is a common way to express a consequence of a condition. The phrase "no man could find a foot-hold on it" clearly communicates that the steepness prevents anyone from finding a stable position on the hill. The inclusion of "it" at the end makes the sentence complete and grammatically correct.
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Why Other Options are Incorrect or Weaker:
- Option A is incomplete because it lacks the pronoun "it," making it sound abrupt and unfinished.
- Option B contradicts the meaning of the sentence by suggesting that finding a foot-hold is easy, which is not the case given the context of steepness.
- Option C is awkward and less idiomatic in English. It does not flow well and does not convey the intended meaning as effectively as option D.
Revision Summary:
- The correct completion of the sentence is D. that no man could find a foot-hold on it.
- The structure "so steep that..." indicates a cause-and-effect relationship.
- Options A, B, and C are either incomplete, contradictory, or awkward.
- Always ensure that the chosen option maintains grammatical correctness and clarity in meaning.