Question

If you invite me, I .......................... certainly come.

• A. could
• B. would
• C. might
• D. would have

Hint:

While the textbook rule for First Conditionals is `If + present, ... will + verb`, be aware that other modal verbs like `can`, `may`, `might`, `should`, and even a polite `would` can be used in the main clause to add different shades of meaning (ability, permission, possibility, advice, politeness).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question tests conditional sentences. The structure "If + present tense..." usually indicates a First Conditional sentence, which talks about a real possibility in the future.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The standard structure for the First Conditional is: If + simple present, ... simple future (will + base verb).
Based on this rule, the sentence should be: "If you invite me, I will certainly come."
However, 'will' is not an option. We must choose the best alternative from the given options.
- (A) could: Expresses possibility. ("I could come" = It's possible for me to come).
- (B) would: While 'would' is typically used in the Second Conditional (unreal situations), it can also be used in the main clause of a First Conditional sentence to make the offer or statement more polite or less direct. "I would certainly come" sounds more polite than "I will certainly come". Given the options, this is the most likely intended answer.
- (C) might: Expresses a weaker possibility than 'could'. ("I might come" = Maybe I will come).
- (D) would have: Used in the Third Conditional for past unreal situations. Incorrect.
Since the provided answer key indicates (B) is correct, the question is likely testing the polite usage of 'would' in a conditional context.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The modal verb 'would' can be used instead of 'will' to express a future action in a more polite or tentative way. Therefore, option (B) is the best choice among the given options.