Question 198·Hard·Form, Structure, and Sense
Pharmacologists have found that the experimental compound neutralizes a broad range of viruses in cultured cells, a result that, if ______ in human trials, could revolutionize antiviral treatment.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
For Standard English verb-form questions like this, first identify the structure around the blank (here, a conditional "if" clause). Then mentally add any omitted words (such as "it is" or "that is") to see what kind of verb form is required (base form, past participle, "-ing" form, etc.). Quickly plug each choice into the full sentence with the implied words and eliminate any option that breaks grammar, changes the meaning, or sounds awkward in formal written English.
Hints
Locate the conditional structure
Focus on the phrase that starts with "if" and ends at the comma. How does this phrase connect to "a result that"?
Add the missing words
Try inserting words like "it is" or "this result is" before the blank: "a result that, if ___ in human trials, could..." What verb form works after "is"?
Think about voice and time
The sentence talks about what might happen to "the result" during future human trials. Should the blank describe an action the result performs, or something that is done to the result?
Check for complete grammar
For each option, read the whole sentence out loud. Which version sounds like correct, formal written English, not casual speech?
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand the sentence structure
Focus on the part with the blank: "a result that, if ______ in human trials, could revolutionize antiviral treatment."
The phrase starting with "if" is a conditional clause. It describes a condition under which the result could revolutionize treatment.
Mentally expand the shortened clause
In formal English, we might say: "a result that, if it is ____ in human trials, could revolutionize antiviral treatment."
The SAT often omits words like "it is" to create a more concise structure. Your job is to choose the form of the verb that fits after an implied "is."
Test each option with the implied words
Insert each choice after "if it is" and see which sounds grammatically correct:
- if it is replicate in human trials
- if it is replicating in human trials
- if it is replicated in human trials
- if it is having replicated in human trials
Only one of these creates a correct and natural passive construction.
Choose the past participle that forms a correct passive clause
The only form that correctly fits after an implied passive "is" is the past participle "replicated", as in "if (it is) replicated in human trials," which clearly means "if this result is repeated in human trials." So the correct answer is C) replicated.