Question

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word.
If my car ____ start, I will be late.

• A. didn't
• B. doesn't
• C. don't
• D. did

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

doesn't

In the sentence, the first clause indicates an event that happens in the present and the second clause indicates how the event in the first clause will affect the future. The second clause states that the subject will be late. Thus, we can say that the subject will be late if his/her car fails to start. From the above points we can conclude that the answer must be an auxiliary that is in the present tense and is negative.

Option A is incorrect. 'didn't' is in the past tense and not the present tense and so, it is incorrect

Option B is correct. 'doesn't' is in the present tense and also it is a negative phrase. Thus, it meets all the required conditions and so, it is the correct answer.

Option C is incorrect. 'don't' is in the past tense and also a negative phrase but, it is generally used for a plural object. Since the object in the sentence is is singular, 'don't' is incorrect.

Option D is incorrect. 'did' is neither in the present tense nor is it a negative phrase. Thus, it cannot be the answer.