Meaning and Tense based question...

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Darwin was not the first to advance a theory of evolution; his tremendous originality lay in the fact that he proposed the idea of natural selection as the means by which evolution worked.

[A] lay in the fact that he proposed the idea

laid in the fact that he proposed the idea

[C] laid in the fact of his proposing the idea

[D] laid in his proposal

[E] lay in his proposal


The given OA is A.


Observing the options, there is no problem in coming down to the options between A and B.

I chose B. But the solution says that because the fact is still present, it needs to be present tense and not the past tense.

But I thought that the theory was made in the past and so its rules or fundas also belong to the past.


Can anyone please explain where am I going wrong...
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by The Iceman » Sun Dec 02, 2012 8:35 am
In fact the right choice here seems to be option E.

The use of 'laid' in this sentence is incorrect as it is the simple past tense of 'to lay', which means "to put down". Instead 'lay', the simple past tense of 'to lie', is required in this context. Hence, B,C, and D can be swept down the drain.

Also, Darwin's originality lay in his proposal itself and not the fact that he proposed the idea.So option E is the best.

Please check the source of your OA. It seems to be erroneous.

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