16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsVery hardSubjunctive were for a hypothetical

Standard English Conventions practice question

If the bridge ____ any narrower, lorries could not use it.

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

  1. A. wereCorrect
  2. B. was
  3. C. is
  4. D. had been

Answer: A. were

A hypothetical condition with "could" takes the subjunctive "were".

Why the other answers are wrong

B. was
Indicative past for a hypothetical.
C. is
Present indicative does not match "could not".
D. had been
Past perfect describes an unreal past, but the sentence is about the present.

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