Question

although the word “chortle” is now familiar to many english speakers, with a meaning similar to “chuckle,” it originally ______ as nonsensical as “slithy” or “brillig.” all three words were invented by lewis carroll in through the looking - glass, the 1871 sequel to alice in wonderland. which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of standard english? a sounds b was sounded c sound d sounded

Explanation:

We need to choose the correct verb form to complete the sentence. The context is about the original state of the word "chortle" when it was invented, so we use the simple past tense. Let's analyze each option:

• Option A: "sounds" is present tense, which doesn't fit the past context of when the word was originally created.
• Option B: "was sounded" is passive voice, and "sound" as a linking verb (to have a particular sound) is not used in passive voice.
• Option C: "sound" is present tense (plural subject form or base form), but the subject "it" is singular and the context is past, so this is incorrect.
• Option D: "sounded" is the simple past tense of "sound" (as a linking verb), which correctly describes the past state of how the word was perceived.

Answer:

D. sounded