multiple choice

[Nefertiti]

That man_______to tell a lie.
A. was never known
B. has never known
C. will never know
D. is never known

Please pick the appropriate answer(s). Please explain.

Any better suggestions?

Thanks

[RedMtl]

Originally Posted by Nefertiti

That man_______to tell a lie.
A. was never known
B. has never known
C. will never know
D. is never known

Please pick the appropriate answer(s). Please explain.

Any better suggestions?

Thanks

Neither B nor C is suitable.

Either A or D can be used.

"That man was never known to tell a lie," could be a statement made by someone after "that man" has died.

Example:

Bob: Too bad about poor old Bill!
John: Yes, he was a good man! Honest, too.
Bob: Yes, indeed. That man was never known to tell a lie.


"That man is never known to tell a lie," could be used when referring to a person who is alive.

Example:

Bob: I wonder who could tell me what I need to know about the situation?
John: You could ask Don. He's very honest.
Bob: You're right! That man is never known to tell a lie.

Good luck!

[Soup]

Hi Nefertiti

I like RedMtl's, and here's an alternative to your choice B.

B: That man has never been known to tell a lie.

[RedMtl]

Originally Posted by Soup

Hi Nefertiti

I like RedMtl's, and here's an alternative to your choice B.

B: That man has never been known to tell a lie.

It is an alternative. Note, however, that it carries with it the suggestion that while he "never has been known to tell a lie" the implication with the "has been" is that there is the possibility that he might.

So, "That man never has been known to tell a lie, but I suppose he might do so nonetheless." is always a possibility.