Introduction / Context:
This item tests vocabulary/orthography—specifically the confusing pair “quiet” (calm/silent) vs. “quit” (stop/leave). In the sentence, the intended meaning is “silent”, so the correct word is “quiet”.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Contrast clause: “but when I was … he said something”.
- Intended state: the speaker became silent or calm.
- Word used: “quit”, which is a verb meaning “stop/leave”.
Concept / Approach:
- Adjective vs. verb distinction: “quiet” is an adjective; “quit” is a verb.
- After the copula “was”, an adjective is required to describe the subject (predicate adjective).
Step-by-Step Solution:
Locate predicate after “was”: it needs an adjective.Replace “quit” with “quiet”.Corrected sentence: “I do not recall exactly what he said to me, but when I was quiet he said something to me.”
Verification / Alternative check:
Try synonyms: “when I was silent/calm …” — confirms that an adjective is required.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A, B, and D are grammatical and clear.E is not correct because C contains a lexical error.
Common Pitfalls:
Misspelling “quiet” as “quite” or “quit”; not recognizing that linking verbs take adjectives, not verbs, as complements.
Final Answer:
but when I was quit
Discussion & Comments