16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardPresent tense in an if clause about the future

Standard English Conventions practice question

If the committee ____ its decision next week, the work can begin in June.

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

  1. A. announcesCorrect
  2. B. announced
  3. C. will announce
  4. D. had announced

Answer: A. announces

A condition about the future takes the present tense after "if".

Why the other answers are wrong

B. announced
Past tense for a future event.
C. will announce
"will" is not used in the if-clause.
D. had announced
Past perfect for a future event.

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