MGMAT SC question.. answer this

Question

In MGMAT, I came across a question:

"Helen would feel better if she swallowed this pill "
This sentence is CORRECT.

I just wanted to check what is wrong with :

"Helen would feel better if she swallows this pill ".

Can someone please answer this ?

shelrod007 · Answer

would here is conditional tense , hence it goes with simple past tense .

"Helen would feel better if she swallowed this pill "
This sentence is CORRECT.

AlexanderSupertramp · Answer

In these sorts of reporting sentences, avoid mixing Present tense with Conditional tense. Likewise, avoid mixing Past tense with Future tense. The usual sequences are EITHER Present + Future OR Past +Conditional.Conditional tenses are formed by mixing 'Would' with a verb.

That is why the first sentence is correct.The correct version of the second sentence will be :
"Helen will feel better if she swallows this pill ".

Hope this helps.

WoundedTiger · Answer

Generally For If then clause, I follow this

If Clause in Simple Past, then clause can be in Simple past to state a fact or we use would verb to show uncertainity 
If Clause in Simple Present, then clause can be in Simple present to state a fact or Simple future tense (will to show certainity or may to show a possibility)
If clause in Past perfect, then clause should use "would have +verb" (This construction is generally used to represent an event which never took place: Eg, If I were to play for India, I would have become captain of the side)

Hope it helps

Carcass · Answer

Please

Whenever you post a thread like this one, place it in the right section OR if possible post in SC forum using the entire question and the answer choices.

Otherwise this kind of post goes in general verbal section.

If you are not sure you can read the forum rules OR ask to a moderator in PVT

They are here to help you or clarify any question you have.

Thanks for your collaboration

Regards

ReedArnoldMPREP · Answer

A rule of thumb for conditionals:

"If  , then  ."

Examples:

If he arrived on time, it would be a miracle.

If he arrives on time, it will be a miracle.

If he had arrived on time, it would have been a miracle.

MGMAT SC question.. answer this

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