16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardTense sequence with 'had hoped'

Standard English Conventions practice question

The organisers had hoped that the rain ____ before the parade began, but it fell all afternoon.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

  1. A. would stopCorrect
  2. B. will stop
  3. C. stops
  4. D. has stopped

Answer: A. would stop

A past hope about a later event takes 'would'.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. will stop
'Will' does not follow a past-tense hope.
C. stops
Present tense.
D. has stopped
Present perfect clashes with 'had hoped'.

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