Question

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word:
If I _________ a politician, I would never tell lies.

• A. was
• B. were
• C. am
• D. cooled

Answer 1

The correct option is B were

The word 'if' indicates that the sentence is in the subjunctive mood. That is, it indicates a hypothetical situation.

Options A and B: We use the verb 'were' and not 'was' in the subjunctive mood. It is mostly used in a situation that is not real. (There are exceptions when 'was' is used when there is a possibility of fact in the statement.)

Hence option B is correct and A is incorrect.

Option C: 'Am' is a present tense verb and does not apply in the given sentence, as it is expressed in the past. The second part of the sentence is also in the (hypothetical) past 'would'.

Option D: This verb 'cooled' does not complete the sentence in meaning.

Hence options C and D are incorrect.