16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardPast perfect in an unreal past condition

Standard English Conventions practice question

If the team ____ the final, the town would have held a parade.

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

  1. A. had wonCorrect
  2. B. would have won
  3. C. has won
  4. D. winning

Answer: A. had won

The result clause 'would have held' signals an unreal past. The 'if' clause takes the past perfect: 'had won'.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. would have won
'would have' belongs in the result clause, not the 'if' clause.
C. has won
'has won' is present perfect, which doesn't sit with 'would have held'.
D. winning
'winning' isn't a complete verb.

More Standard English Conventions questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.