If the reporter would have known the landlord's side of the story, she

If the reporter would have known the landlord's side of the story, she would not have written an article so favorable to the 81-year-old tenant.


(A) would have known the landlord's side of the story, she would not have written

using "would have" in the IF clause is INCORRECT
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(B) would of known the landlord's side of the story, she would not of written

using "would" in both IF and THEN clauses is INCORRECT
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(C) had known the landlord's side of the story, she would not have written

past perfect in IF clause should be followed by "would have/would not have" + verb in THEN clause.
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(D) had known the landlord's side of the story, she would not have wrote
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(E) knew the landlord's side of the story, she would not have written

simple past tense "knew" in IF clause should be followed either by simple past or "would" but not "would have" INCORRECT
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Hence option C
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Correct Answer must be (C) for the highlighted errors in other options.
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Correct and :- C
If ( past perfect) than (would have verb superlative form)

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5000 using GMAT Club Forum mobile app

C is my answer. It uses correct form of verb pattern in conditional clause.

Per context of the sentence, an event is described that never took place. Such a situation requires use of following If...then rule:
If + had + verb, then + would + have + verb

Answer: C

......had + known the landlord's side of the story, then she would + not have + written
If + had + verb.............................................., then...+ would +...... have + verb

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