WAEC 2011 English Language · Question 45

If the school had been destroyed, we … home.

Question

From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences: If the school had been destroyed, we..............home.

A.would go
B.would have had to go
C.would have to go
D.would be going

Answer: B. would have had to go

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question The sentence is a conditional: "If the school had been destroyed, we __ home." The "if" clause uses the past perfect (had been destroyed), so we need to identify which type of conditional this is and choose the matching main clause.

Concept: Third Conditional (Type 3) This is used for imaginary or unreal situations in the past.

Structure:

If + past perfect, ... would/could/might + have + past participle

Example: If he had studied, he would have passed.

Solution

The if-clause is "had been destroyed", which is past perfect. So we need "would have + past participle" in the main clause.
Check each option: • A. would go: a present/future form. It does not match the past perfect. ✗ • B. would have had to go: "would have" + past participle "had" (from have to). It fits the Type 3 pattern and means they would have been forced to go home. ✓ • C. would have to go: a Type 2 or mixed form that points to the present or future. ✗ • D. would be going: a continuous form that points to the present or future. ✗

Complete sentence: If the school had been destroyed, we would have had to go home.

Answer: B

Tip: Look at the if-clause first. If it has had + past participle, the main clause nearly always needs would have + past participle. Match the tense pattern and you will get these questions right quickly.

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