Help with writing.

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

<p>At Versailles after the First World War, the Allies believed they had drafted a treaty that would have ensured permanent peace.</p>

<p>(A) would have ensured permanent peace
(B) would ensure permanent peace
(C) had ensured permanent peace
(D) will ensure permanent peace
(E) ensures permanent peace</p>

<p>Why's the answer B and not A or C?</p>

<p>And oh yeah I hear that the verb tenses have to agree, yet I see tense changes in sentences like this one...
After he had ran, he went up the stairs.</p>

<p>The verb tenses "had ran" and "went" don't agree to me, yet that's right. Is there an order that verb tenses have to go in based on the time it occurred or something?</p>

<p>Anyone able to help me?</p>

2

<p>a verb form such as "had <em>_" or "have _</em>" indicates that the action took place farther back in the past than did the other actions in the sentence.</p>

3

<p>C- indicates it has happened alright.
A- inddicates it should have happened in the past</p>

<p>B indicates the thought process at the time, that they they will ensure peace for later generations at that point.</p>

4

<p>Also, A is passive since 'have' is a form of 'to be' and passives are generally not correct. C shows a sure action in the past.</p>

5

<p>And to answer your other question, verb tenses should stay the same unless there is a reason to change. In your example, "After he had ran [should be run]..." indicates a change in tense because "after" indicates a different time.</p>