Find the part of the sentence that contains an error:
Were he to have responded swiftly (1) / the situation might have been (2) / resolved long before it escalated (3) / preserving crucial strategic resources. (4)
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. (1).
Error is related to / concept: Incorrect conditional/subjunctive construction.
What is wrong: The phrase “Were he to have responded swiftly” is incorrect in this structure.
Grammatical concept: In hypothetical or subjunctive clauses starting with “Were…”, we use the structure:
- Were + subject + to + V1
Incorrectness of the concept in context: Using “to have responded” adds an unnecessary perfect aspect, which is not grammatically acceptable in this conditional form.
How to correct + extra concept: The correct form should be “Were he to respond swiftly” or “Had he responded swiftly”, depending on the nuance intended.
Correct phrase / correction: Were he to respond swiftly
Final sentence: Were he to respond swiftly, the situation might have been resolved long before it escalated, preserving crucial strategic resources.