<ol>
<li>I cannot conclude this preface without ____ that an early and untimely death should have prevented Persius from giving a more finished appearance to his works.</li>
</ol>
<p>A. rejoicing
B. lamenting
C. affirming
D. commenting
E. mentioning </p>
<p>Can you explain to me what this sentence is saying? Did Persius have an early death or not? I think “should have” is only used to indicate an impossible past event (I should have done sth …)</p>
<p>I think it’s E because I’m pretty sure the “I” is a publisher of some sort that is writing a preface for another deceased author’s incomplete works. So he needs to mention to the audience that the reason the works don’t have a more finished appearance because he died an early death.</p>
<p>Am I missing something here? I think “should have” is only used to talk about past events that did not happen, or a regret. [English</a> Grammar Lessons](<a href=“http://www.englishgrammarsecrets.com/shouldhave/menu.php]English”>http://www.englishgrammarsecrets.com/shouldhave/menu.php)
So Persius did die an early death? If so why not use “had” instead of “should have”?</p>
<p>The correct answer is E btw. This is one of the practice excercises from majortests.com
Clue: The sentence states that the early death of Persius prevented him from properly finishing his work, hence it is likely that the author of the preface would regret (lament) that fact. <a href=“lament%20=%20express%20regret”>Note that the tone of the sentence is important; positive words would not fit the sense. Also commenting or mentioning might fit if it were not for the word should - you cannot say that you comment that something should prevent someone.</a></p>