Unfortunately, she (find) out that he secretly (buy) her what she (long) for all

[Vuser]

grAmmar which one is the correct:

Unfortunately, she (find) out that he secretly (buy) her what she (long) for all her life: a ticket to a Rolling Stones concert.

A) found, bought, had longed for

B) found ,had bought, was longing for

C) had found, bought, had been longing for

D) found, had bought, had been longing for

E) found, bought, had been longing for

[SkiIucK]

Edit: I'd go for D), Vuser.

In this example, the second and third verbs in the parentheses need the Past Perfect tense.

But perhaps next time you should try posting your answers before actually asking for help.

[Cerberus™]

I made a mistake: of course I vote for D, found out, had bought, had been longing.

[SkiIucK]

C) was a typo, Cerberus. Sorry. I meant D).

[Cerberus™]

Yikes! Look at me pointing while the poo is on my own finger, and quite a lot of it, too! I fully agree with your D, Ski. How on earth could I pick B? Either I am insane or Vuser edited his message, the latter of which I cannot believe. At least my explanations partly absolve me from the accusation I made grammar mistake, as I had always intended "found out, had secretly bought, had been longing". My apologies.

[SkiIucK]

No need to apologize, man. It happens to overlook something or just be absent-minded sometimes.

You have helped many people before, including me, and have proven to be a great teacher. You are native, am I wrong?

[Cerberus™]

I am not, but unfortunately I cannot blame my recent stupidity on that. Your English is good!

[Danube]

Grammar question... Which one is correct?
I wish to apply to the position advertised //////in the student e-list///////or /////on the student list?
Do I use IN or ON the student list?

[Cerberus™]

I'd say both are fine. You can advertise something in a newspaper, or on a page. Something can be on a list or in a list. There is a very subtle difference that is hard to define.

Perhaps you could say that an item on a list is the standard way of saying it. Saying that something is on a list subtly reminds the reader of a page, which you write things on. When you say an item is in a list, you are emphasizing that a list is a sort of container in the abstract: there are things in it. When you are talking about several things on a list, the inclination to use "in" is a tad stronger.

Did you notice that I used on in my last sentence? I did that unconsciously, I only noticed when I reread it. I believe that is because on is ever so slightly more natural. You can use either preposition as you like.