During the Renaissance, scholars were uncertain as to the location of

During the Renaissance, scholars were uncertain as to the location of Troy, and by the eighteenth century many historians doubted that Troy had ever existed.

(A) doubted that Troy had ever existed Correct answer. Correct usage of past perfect for the earlier of two events (Troy existing) and simple past for the latter (historians doubting).

(B) doubt that Troy has ever existed Incorrect usage of present perfect for Troy's existence since it clearly does not exist now. Eliminate.

(C) were in doubt as to the existence of Troy "in doubt about" is the correct idiom. Eliminate.

(D) were doubtful concerning Troy’s existence "doubtful about <noun>" is the correct usage. Eliminate.

(E) had doubts about Troy’s ever existing "Troy's" brings in possessive which is not correct since it is followed by a verb ("existing") and not a property of Troy. Eliminate.

Hope this helps.

Srini

EducationAisle

Option B:- This is incorrect because this option uses simple present tense, and we are talking about the time of Renaissance.

Options C and D can be eliminated because the chronological sequence is not established in the actions like option A.

Please evaluate my reasoning and add your two cents.

Thanks

The main point about this question, is the appropriateness of past perfect ("had existed"). Two things happened in the past:

(i) 18th century
(ii) The existence of Troy

Since the existence/non-existence of Troy happened at some time before the 18th century, (ii) should be expressed as past perfect.

EducationAisle

Sir,
Was my reasoning above correct?

Thanks

Yes, and that's what I mention in my post: Past perfect is the tense that should be used here and only option A uses this tense.

Since the renaissance is from 14th century to 16th century i.e. further in the past. Shouldn't it be the one with "had+V3" ??? Please help me if my understanding is wrong

Hello Sanam4192,

We hope this finds you well.

To answer your query, assuming we have interpreted your question correctly, since the information regarding the renaissance is presented through a modifying phrase rather than an active verb phrase, it does not need to use a past perfect tense construction.

We hope this help.
All the best!
Experts' Global Team

Hi experts,

Shouldn't the verb in the second part of the sentence be "had" since we are saying "by the...". I understand why E is wrong. But how is A correct, as it uses simple past tense.

Posted from my mobile device

During the Renaissance, scholars were uncertain as to the location of Troy, and by the eighteenth century many historians doubted that Troy had ever existed.

(A) doubted that Troy had ever existed (the best option)
Had + past participle denotes action before any ended action. Troy was before the 18th century and historians doubted about him thus it becomes action before any ended action.
(B) doubt that Troy has ever existed (incorrect: tenses error)
The whole passage is a narration which means it should be in the past simple
(C) were in doubt as to the existence of Troy (incorrect: tenses error)
Were in doubt is an exaggeration of doubted and because it is discussing Troy hence there must be past perfect tense.
(D) were doubtful concerning Troy’s existence (incorrect: tenses error)
The same as option C
(E) had doubts about Troy’s ever existing (incorrect: tenses error)
The same as option C. had doubts is an exaggeration of doubted.