"If," Clauses of Condition, & Sequence of Tenses on SAT Writing Skills

While we're on the SAT Writing Skills prep, let's discuss a couple of concepts: The use of if to introduce a clause of condition, and proper tense sequencing which comes into play with sentences containing more than one clause which themselves contain multiple actions, real or suggested. See below the SAT sentence with significant parts put in red or bold for emphasis.

To be sure, there would be scarcely any time left over for other things if school children would have been expected to have considered all sides of every matter, on which they hold opinions.

The challenge for the test-taker is to "clean up" the sentence by making a choice of items B through E. Choice A indicates the student believes no problem exists in the sentence and may be left to stand as it is. Below, the choices:

A) if...would have been expected to have considered
B) if...should have been expected to have considered
C) if...were expected to consider
D) if...will be expected to have considered
E) if...were expected to be considered

Choice C is the correct answer given by the SAT editors, and I largely agree. The explanation given: "Would have been expected is incorrect as a verb in a clause introduced by the conjunction if ." Yet, much more may be said on the subject. My comments:

First, a definition: "a clause of condition makes a stipulation, or asserts a doubt or a possibility. The "if" stands in front of the clause itself, introducing it. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, New Edition, many possible tense sequences are possible. When the conditional "if" introduces a clause of condition, the tense sequences chosen provide specific meaning to the clause of condition and the principal clause it points to. A few options according to the OED for our (clause of condition) would have been expected to have considered, and its (principal clause) would be scarcely any time:

a) Conditional clause (principal clause) in potential mood with perfect infinitive (implying past); related verb phrase in perfect infinitive (implying past).
b) Conditional clause (principal clause) in potential mood (subjunctive "should") with perfect infinitive (implying past); related verb phrase in perfect infinitive (implying past).
c) Conditional clause (principal clause) in subjunctive mood, past tense (were expected) related verb phrase in simple infinitive. (the correct form, not just because it's the simplest)
d) Conditional clause (principal clause) in indicative mood, future tense, related verb phrase in perfect infinitive (implying past)
e) Conditional clause (principal clause) in subjunctive mood, past tense (were expected); related verb phrase in perfect infinitive,(implying past) passive voice.


Comments in order of choices: A) "would have been expected" is not required because "if" already serves that purpose. That is, "Would have" and "if" both serve the purpose of establishing a conditional or potential situation. Also, why use the perfect infinitive "to have considered." The past has already been established in the principle clause. No need for repetition. Avoid it. Choices B)& D) repeat the notion of the principal clause by repetition. E) "to be considered" is superfluous, you do not need the infinitive phrase to be in passive voice.

C) serves as the best answer: were expected to consider. Thus: The appropriate* sequence of tenses is "would be"..."were" ..."to consider."

If all this is too much to digest or recall, then practice a simple rule: generally, on these types of items, choose the briefest answer choice if you cannot grasp the grammar.

*I share a philosophy of grammar similar to that of Eric Partridge: Better to be moderate with respect to rules unless (emphasis mine) either logical or aesthetic sense be disturbed.

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