Question

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate option:
If they ___________ harder, they would succeed.

• A. could try
• B. try
• C. tried
• D. had tried

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

tried

The type 2 conditional is used to refer to a hypothetical condition and its probable result. The if-clause uses the simple past, and the main clause uses the present conditional.

The given sentence shows a type 2 conditional, as the if-clause tells a hypothetical situation and the would-clause (main clause) tells its probable result.

In such a sentence, the tenses are:

if clause - if + past simple

and

main clause - present conditional/present continuous conditional

The main clause "They would succeed" is a present conditional, hence the if-clause is in the simple past tense.

Option C: 'Tried' is in the simple past tense, hence it's the most suitable option for the given sentence, and option C is correct.

Option A: 'Could try' expresses a possibility. 'Could' is not used to express a conditional or a hypothetical situation.

Option B: 'Try' expresses the simple present tense whereas the sentence is in the past. It's a past conditional with its probable result. The simple present is used in type 2 conditional, where the probable result is in the future tense: If they try harder, they will succeed.

Option D: 'Had tried' is in the past perfect tense whereas the if-clause will be in the simple past tense.

Hence options A, B and D are incorrect.