A part of the following sentence is underlined. Choose the option that can replace the underlined part to improve the sentence. If you feel Options A, B, or C do not improve the sentence, then choose Option D: 'No improvement required.'
If I would be laid off again, I would seriously consider a career switch.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
This sentence is a Type 2 Conditional (or hypothetical conditional). It describes a situation that is unlikely or purely imaginary in the present or future.
In the 'if-clause' of a Type 2 conditional sentence, we use the simple past tense. However, for the verb 'to be,' we use 'were' for all subjects (I, you, he, she, it, we, they) to express the subjunctive mood (hypothetical situations).
Therefore “would be laid off again” should be replaced by “were to be laid off again”.