The following sentence contains an error. Select the option that correctly rectifies the error.
If I was a king, I would have tried my best to remove poverty from my country.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. If I were a king
Error concept: Use of subjunctive mood in hypothetical/imaginary conditions.
What is wrong: The sentence uses “If I was a king”, but in hypothetical situations (imaginary/unreal condition), we use “were” instead of “was” with “I/he/she/it.”
Grammatical concept: The subjunctive mood requires “were” in conditional sentences that are contrary to fact (imaginary).
Incorrectness of the concept in context: Using “was” makes the condition sound factual rather than hypothetical, which is incorrect here.
How to correct: Replace “was” with “were.”
Correct phrase/ correction: If I were a king
Final sentence: If I were a king, I would have tried my best to remove poverty from my country.
Hence, the chosen option is correct.