Question

Fill in the blank with the most suitable form of the given verb.
People would only believe my story if I _________ (be) not so young.

• A. Would be
• B. Will be
• C. Could be
• D. Were

Answer 1

The correct option is D Were

The words, 'If I _____ not so young' indicates that the speaker is quite young. Due to this, people do not believe his story. There is wishful thinking which the speaker expresses about what would happen in an unreal situation if he were not so young.

The subjunctive mood is a way of talking about unreal or conditional situations. It is also used to describe desires, wishes, needs, or intentions. To indicate the subjunctive mood, the verb, 'were' is used instead of 'was', along with singular as well as plural nouns. Hence, the appropriate verb is 'were', as given in option D.

Both the verbs, 'would be' and 'could be' denote actions which are possible. However, the given conditional clause in the given sentence denotes an action which is unreal and not possible. Hence, options A and C are incorrect.

'Will be' is used to refer to indicate an action which is certain to happen in future. It cannot be used to denote an action which is unreal and not possible. Hence, option D is incorrect.