finding vs. finds

English as a Second Language English Teacher Explanations (ESL Tests)
1

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #271 [color=blue]“Gerund and Infinitive Practice (10)”, question 9

He often thought that … a suitable partner is more important than making money.

(a) finds
(b) finding
(c) find
(d) found

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #271 [color=blue]“Gerund and Infinitive Practice (10)”, answer 9

He often thought that finding a suitable partner is more important than making money.

Correct answer: (b) finding

Your answer was: [color=red]incorrect
He often thought that finds a suitable partner is more important than making money.
[size=200]_________________________[/size]

Why not finds? He wants to settle down with a suitable a partner…

2

The main verb is ‘thought’.
The sentence would need to be written like this in order to use ‘finds’:
He often thought that if he finds a suitable partner that will be more important than making money.