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tensetransitivityverbs

The mattress can be stored in a space as small as shoebox but _____ to a thickness of 5 inches when fully inflated.

  1. Expanded
  2. Expand
  3. Expands
  4. Expansion

I think both 1 and 3 can be the correct answers to this question, but the key says its correct answer is "Expands".

I really wonder why "Expanded" can't be the answer. As far as I know, The word "Expand" can be used as both an intransitive verb and transitive verb.

I think "Expanded" can be an answer If the word is used as an transitive verb in the sentence. Am I right?

Best Answer

Because the first part of the sentence is not past tense. "Expanded" switches tenses halfway through the sentence. Either of these would be correct:

"The mattress could be stored in a space as small as shoebox but expanded to a thickness...

"The mattress can be stored in a space as small as shoebox but expands to a thickness..."

You answer is technically allowable, but awkward. If this is from a test, questions such as this are generally asking for the best answer, not necessarily which one is theoretically allowable under the rules of grammar.

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