Question

    Each of the following sentences has been divided into

    five parts (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e) . One of these parts may contain a grammatical or usage error. Identify the part that contains the error. If the sentence is correct, choose Option (e) – No error.  If the organisation would have implemented stronger security protocols earlier (a) / it could have prevented (b) / the massive data breach (c) / that later damaged its reputation (d). / No error (e) 
    A a Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B b Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C c Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D d Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    E e Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    The error relates to Conditional Sentence Structure (Third Conditional). Rule for Third Conditional: If + Past Perfect, Subject + would have + past participle Incorrect structure in the sentence: If the organisation would have implemented stronger security protocols earlier In conditional clauses beginning with if, we do not use “would have”. Correct structure: If the organisation had implemented stronger security protocols earlier, it could have prevented the massive data breach. Thus, the error lies in part (a). Option Analysis A. a – Incorrect because “would have implemented” should be “had implemented.” B. b – Correct modal perfect structure (could have prevented). C. c – Grammatically correct noun phrase. D. d – Correct relative clause modifying “breach.” E. e – Incorrect because an error exists in the sentence.

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