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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Quick grammer question

According to the World Health Organization, _______ there to be an outbreak of any of the six most dangerous diseases, this could be cause for quarantine.
(A) were
(B) they were
(C) there were
(D) were they

I think the answer is "(A) were", But why?
  

Top answer

Hi, Because it's an alternative (and more stylish) form of hypothetical statement. . if there were to be an outbreak of any of the six most dangerous diseases, this could be cause for quarantine.

— Clive

  • Hi, Because it's an alternative (and more stylish) form of hypothetical statement.
  • .
  • if there were to be an outbreak of any of the six most dangerous diseases, this could be cause for quarantine.
  • A simpler example is Were it to rain, I would get wet.
  • Clive
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2 Answers
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Hi,

Because it's an alternative (and more stylish) form of hypothetical statement.

. . . if there were to be an outbreak of any of the six most dangerous diseases, this could be cause for quarantine.

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