OG verbal review question!!!

[ronniecoleman]

if Dr wades is right, any connection between x and y is purely coincidental


Source: OG verbal review ( q 95)

Manhattan rules says:

if < present tense > then will + base form..

Does the above sentence violate that rule...

[rohangupta83]

well, i think the manhattan gmat rule is applicable here.

but in the answer choices you might encounter an answer choice that treats the first half of the sentence as subjunctive form and changing it to:

If Dr Wade were right, any.............. would be purely coincidental.

This would also be correct.

[ronniecoleman]

I could not find the subjunctive mood in the answer choice, thats why i posted this question.

might be some exceptions!!

[rohangupta83]

well, ideally i would've preferred

If Dr Wade were right, any.............. would be purely coincidental.

in the answer choice as the above answer satisfies both the subjunctive as well as the 'If Then Clause' rules.

but if its not there then simply stick to the 'If Then Clause' rule as that is primary whereas in this case subjunctive is a luxury (preferred form), but not necessary.