Expression: found he was sitting on a barrel of butter

[Manuele from Peru]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #21 "The two Butter Frogs", question 10

Sadly the smaller frog grew tired and drowned but the older one kept on moving about and in the morning ..........

(a) found he was sat on a barrel of butter
(b) found he sat on a barrel of butter
(c) found he was sitting on a barrel of butter
(d) found he sits on a barrel of butter

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #21 "The two Butter Frogs", answer 10

Sadly the smaller frog grew tired and drowned but the older one kept on moving about and in the morning found he was sitting on a barrel of butter.

Correct answer: (c) found he was sitting on a barrel of butter

Your answer was: incorrect
Sadly the smaller frog grew tired and drowned but the older one kept on moving about and in the morning found he was sat on a barrel of butter.
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Hi teachers, is it possible "he was sat"? If not, why not?
One more please: I've heard in class that stories should be told in simple present, is this always true? Thanks in advance.

Manuel (Lima-Peru)

[Mister Micawber]

.
Hello, Manuel.

He was sat is not possible here. This passive formation occasionally appears in very casual (even substandard) English as a replacement for was set.

It is often a good idea to narrate stories in the present, as it creates a sense of immediacy for the listener, but it is by no means a requirement; many great stories have been told in past tense.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mr. Micawber