If I were you, I _________ that laptop. It's much too expensive. A. Shan't buy B. Shall buy C. Wouldn't buy D. Would buy

GATE 2016 · General Aptitude · Conditional Sentences / Grammar · easy

Answer: C. Wouldn't buy

1. Identify the conditional type: 'If I were you' uses the subjunctive past tense ('were'), marking this as a second conditional (hypothetical / unreal). The result clause must take the form 'would + base verb'.
2. Apply the negative intent: The follow-up clause 'It's much too expensive' signals that the speaker recommends NOT buying. So the result clause must be negative: 'wouldn't buy'. Options A (shan't buy) and B (shall buy) use first-conditional forms. D (would buy) is positive and contradicts the sentiment.