Question

Improve the underlined part of the sentence, or choose no improvement if it is already correct.

Many such mishaps can be avoided if we (are) careful.

• A. Be
• B. Might be
• C. Were
• D. No improvement

Hint:

Check if this is a real, general condition, not a hypothetical one.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The sentence describes a general truth or a habitual condition: Many such mishaps can be avoided if we are careful. This is a standard conditional sentence, where the if-clause uses the present simple tense are and the main clause uses can be avoided, also in the present tense.

Option A, be, cannot stand alone as a finite verb here. If we be careful is not correct modern English; it is an old-fashioned subjunctive form that does not fit this sentence.

Option B, might be, introduces unnecessary uncertainty. The sentence is stating a general fact about avoiding mishaps through care, not a possibility, so might be changes the meaning and tone.

Option C, were, is used in unreal or hypothetical conditions, such as if we were careful implying we are not currently careful. This does not match the general, factual tone of the original sentence.

Since are is already grammatically correct and fits the meaning of the sentence, no change is needed. The correct answer is option D, No improvement.