spread / people

[krj]

Hi

Can you explain why the answer to the following question is no. 1 - 'spread'?

The woman ______________ the mat on the floor and sat the little girl on it.

1. spread
2. spreads
3. has spread
4. is spreading

Another question - Is "people" the plural form of "persons"? If so, "people" is replaceable by "persons" ?

[MikeNewYork]

Hi

Can you explain why the answer to the following question is no. 1 - 'spread'?

The woman ______________ the mat on the floor and sat the little girl on it.

1. spread
2. spreads
3. has spread
4. is spreading

Another question - Is "people" the plural form of "persons"? If so, "people" is replaceable by "persons" ?

This one is tough because the past tense of "spread" is also "spread". The clue here is the second verb in the sentence. It is in the simple past tense, so the first verb should also be in the simple past.

"People" is either the plural form of "person" or the singular form of "peoples".
Persons can be used for people, but it is usually only used in more official uses, such as legal matters. When people is used as a singular, it refers to a people, such as the Chinese or an Indian tribe.

[krj]

Tks, Mike, for the quick response.

[MikeNewYork]

Tks, Mike, for the quick response.

You're welcome, Krj.