In reference to the current hostility toward smoking, smokers frequent

Hello anshgupta,

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Having gone through the question and your query, we believe we can resolve your doubt.

In Options A, B, and D, the use of the phrases "current hostility" and "are being stunted" convey that the action in this sentence takes place in the current time frame. Thus, we can say that these three answer choices incorrectly use the simple past tense verb "expressed" to refer to an action taking place in the current time frame.

Further, Option C alters the meaning of the sentence through the phrase "When referring to the current hostility toward smoking"; the use of "when" incorrectly implies that that the smokers frequently express anxiety that their prospects for being hired and promoted are being stunted by their habit only at the point in time when they refer to the current hostility toward smoking; the intended meaning of this sentence is that referring to the current hostility toward smoking, smokers frequently express anxiety that their prospects for being hired and promoted are being stunted by their habit; remember, "when" is used to refer to a period in time.

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