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Nsfs2 Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

Past perfect continuous and simple

Hi,

'Before Messner and Habeler, no one (had attempted, had been attempting) to climb Everest without oxygen.

I choose 'had attempted' as the correct answer, but I'd like you to help me explain why, please?

Thanks.
  

Top answer

Making an attempt to climb Everest is a singular event. You make the attempt or you don't. You succeed at your attempt or you don't.

— CalifJim

  • Making an attempt to climb Everest is a singular event.
  • You make the attempt or you don't.
  • You succeed at your attempt or you don't.
  • There isn't anything continuous about it, so the continuous form of the verb is not appropriate.
  • CJ
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1 Answers
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Making an attempt to climb Everest is a singular event. You make the attempt or you don't. You succeed at your attempt or you don't. There isn't anything continuous about it, so the continuous form of the verb is not appropriate.

CJ
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