Question:

Choose the option that best replaces the underlined part of the sentence. Had the manager informed us earlier, we will complete the project before the deadline.

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Third Conditional Pattern: If + Had + V\(_3\), Would Have + V\(_3\) Example: If she had studied harder, she would have scored better marks.
Updated On: Jun 8, 2026
  • will have completed
  • would complete
  • would have completed
  • had completed
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Concept: This question tests one of the most important grammar topics frequently asked in CUET examinations—Conditional Sentences. Students often lose marks because the options appear grammatically similar. To solve such questions accurately, one must first identify the type of condition being expressed. The sentence begins with: \[ \text{Had the manager informed us earlier} \] This structure is an inverted form of a third conditional sentence. The original structure would be: \[ \text{If the manager had informed us earlier} \] Thus, we are dealing with a hypothetical situation in the past.

Step 1:
Identify the type of conditional. There are mainly three common conditional structures:
• First Conditional: \[ \text{If + Present, will + Verb} \]
• Second Conditional: \[ \text{If + Past, would + Verb} \]
• Third Conditional: \[ \text{If + Past Perfect, would have + Past Participle} \] The given sentence contains: \[ \text{Had informed} \] which is Past Perfect. Hence, the sentence belongs to the Third Conditional category.

Step 2:
Recall the required structure. For Third Conditional: \[ \text{If + Past Perfect} \] must be followed by \[ \text{would have + V}_3 \] Therefore the correct expression should be: \[ \text{would have completed} \]

Step 3:
Evaluate each option carefully. Option (A): \[ \text{will have completed} \] This indicates future perfect tense and does not match the hypothetical past condition. Incorrect. Option (B): \[ \text{would complete} \] This belongs to the second conditional pattern. Incorrect. Option (C): \[ \text{would have completed} \] Perfectly matches the Third Conditional structure. Correct. Option (D): \[ \text{had completed} \] Creates an incorrect tense sequence. Incorrect.

Step 4:
Form the corrected sentence. The sentence becomes: \[ \text{Had the manager informed us earlier, we would have completed the project before the deadline.} \] This sentence now expresses an unreal situation in the past.

Step 5:
Final conclusion. The correct replacement is: \[ \boxed{\text{would have completed}} \] Hence, \[ \boxed{\text{Option (C)}} \]
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