Using 'would have had'

Question

I want to tell that 'If the question would not have had that statement then your answer is correct'.

Is the usage of would not have had correct here ? How do I frame the sentence?

Answer 1

We do not use will/would in the protasis (the “if” part) of a conditional except for those rare occasions in which the modal actually means to be willing to. For example, these are perfectly grammatical:

• If you will please be seated, we can get started.
• If only you would close your eyes, you could see the invisible.

For your case, you need nothing more than the good old past perfect construction:

• If the question had not had that spurious bit, it would have been correct.

See also this answer.

Answer 2

So first up - in your first sentence - you most probably want to say/write: "I want to say that 'If the question would not have had that statement then your answer is correct'." A small correction...

To your question: Yes - it's basically correct depending on the usage. The tense is potentially not right for the second half of the sentence, assuming the first half - it should read: 'If the question would not have had that statement then your answer would have been correct'.

The explanation: An example where the phrase would be applicable is for an exam paper. The exam is in the past and a particular question may / may not have had an applicable statement. Then one's answer to the question, dependent on the statement, is right or wrong; in the past and a possibility...

Alternative: If discussing something in the present terms then the sentence becomes: 'If the question didn't have that statement then your answer is correct'.