Which word correctly completes the sentence expressing an unreal present hypothesis: 'If the planetary lander _______ equipped with lidar sensors, it could navigate the crater rim autonomously.'
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. were
- Step 1: Identify a second conditional sentence describing a hypothetical contrary-to-fact present situation.
- Step 2: In formal English, the subjunctive past form 'were' is used for all persons (including singular 'lander') in the if-clause.
Answer
were.
Why not the others: 'was' is informal; 'is' creates an impossible mixed conditional with 'could navigate'; 'has been' is present perfect.
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