16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsVery hardParticiple in a reduced if-clause

Standard English Conventions practice question

The instructions, if ____ carefully, leave no room for error.

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

  1. A. followedCorrect
  2. B. following
  3. C. follow
  4. D. they following

Answer: A. followed

The reduced clause means if they are followed, so the past participle is needed.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. following
The instructions do not follow; they are followed.
C. follow
Not a participle.
D. they following
Neither a full clause nor a reduced one.

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