Find the part of the sentence that contains an error:
By the time the audit team (1)/ reaches the headquarters (2)/ the financial report (3)/ would already be submitted. (4)
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
Correct Answer
(4)
Explanation
The error lies in part (4) of the sentence due to an incorrect conditional time-clause tense alignment.
When a sentence begins with a future time marker like "By the time" followed by a verb in the Simple Present Tense ("reaches"), it indicates an action that will be completed before a specific point in the future. This structure strictly requires the Future Perfect Tense in the main clause to show the completion of that action.
Additionally, since the financial report is receiving the action, it must be written in the passive voice.
Incorrect: ...the financial report would already be submitted.
Correct: ...the financial report will have already been submitted.
Key Points
Grammar Rule: By the time + Simple Present (reaches) → Future Perfect Passive (will have been + V3).
Correction: Change "would already be" to "will have already been".