English question from Panchayat Secretary (VLW) exam, 2025 by JKSSB
Select the right clause for the blank
If you were to marry, _______________
Last updated May 30, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option C —
who would you choose?
Why this is correct:
This sentence is a second conditional, which is used to talk about hypothetical or imaginary situations in the present or future.
Structure: The structure for a second conditional sentence is:
If + Simple Past / Subjunctive, ... would + base verb
Because the first clause uses the past subjunctive structure "If you were to marry," the main clause must use "would" followed by the base form of the verb ("choose").
Who vs. Whom: While older, formal grammar strictly dictated using "whom" as the object of a verb, modern standard English heavily favors "who" in questions, especially in spoken or casual contexts. Option (A) uses "whom," but Option (C) provides the most natural, grammatically sound structure for modern English.
Why the other options are incorrect:
(A) While "Whom" is technically the objective pronoun, it sounds overly archaic here. More importantly, it is capitalized in the middle of a continuous sentence structure, making it a poorer choice than (C).
(B) "Why would you choose?" changes the logical meaning of the sentence. You choose a person to marry, not a reason.
(D) This option uses "could you chose." "Chose" is the past tense, but modals like could must be followed by the base form of the verb (choose). Additionally, "why" does not fit the context.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
