sashiim20 wrote:
After the bomb exploded and the terrorists entered the building, the boy
acted as though he were dead so he wouldn’t be noticed.a) acted as though he
were dead so he
wouldn’t be noticed
b) acted as though he
was dead so he
shouldn’t be noticed
c) acted as though he
was dead so he wouldn’t be noticed
d) acted
as he were dead so he
shouldn’t be noticed
e) acted
as he was dead so he wouldn’t be noticed
Source :
GMAT Club Grammar book
• HYPOTHETICAL - as though WERE, then/so that WOULDThis question tests how to use verbs in counterfactual situations or conditions.
• SIMILAR to a Type 2 conditionalThis construction is identical to a Type 2 conditional in which the hypothetical takes the subjunctive WERE, no matter who the subject is.
condition clause: IF . . . WERE
main/result clause: [then/so that] WOULD• AS THOUGH and AS IF: correct constructionas though, as if, suppose, unless, and
imagine all use this a similar construction.
They signal and require the subjunctive.
condition clause: AS THOUGH . . . WERE
main/result clause: [then/so that] WOULDCorrect: She carried herself as though she were fearless, so that the hooligans would leave her alone.
Correct: He acted as though he were a nice guy, so that she would go on a date with him.
• THIS QUESTIONguidelines1. Verb structure is
Condition clause: AS THOUGH . . . WERE
Result/main clause: WOULD
2. Do not mix and match. Those verb tenses are the only ones to use.
3. Do not put
should in the condition OR the result clause.
The construction is conventional in B.E., but it is wrong on the GMAT.
4. Speakers of British English: be a little bit careful also about always using WERE.
This construction is different in B.E. ("was" is common and allowed).
Correct: As though he
were . . . so that XYZ
would happen.
• Split #1: AS THOUGH takes the verb WERE if to be is involvedOptions B and C incorrectly use
as though he
wasEliminate B and C
• Split #2: No SHOULD (shouldn't)Do not
should in conditional and hypothetical constructions.
GMAC does not like
should in conditionals. Ever.
Use
would, and to express less certainty, use
might or
could (only in the main clause).
B.E. frequently uses
should in both condition and result clause. Just be a little careful.
Options B and D use
shouldn't. Both should say "wouldn't."
Eliminate D (B is already gone)
• Split #3: Phrasing and MeaningOption D says that
he acted as he were dead-- That language is babble. These are not babble:
Correct:
He acted as though he were deadCorrect:
He acted as if he were dead Option E says that
he acted as he was dead.
Let's just think about that one for a second.
"As" in this option suggests "during the time that he was dead."
No. First, he was not dead.
Second, if he were dead, he would not be acting
while he were dead.
Options D and E are nonsensical. Eliminate E. (D is already gone.)
By POE, the answer is A.
Option A gets it right
• condition clause, counterfactual:
as though he were dead• main/result clause:
so that he WOULD not be noticed.That form is correct.
The answer is A _________________
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