The correct option to complete the sentence "If I went to the cinema, I .... early" is C. would return. Let's break down why this is the correct choice and analyze the other options. Step-by-Step Explanation

1. Understanding Conditional Sentences: The sentence provided is a conditional sentence, which typically expresses a situation and its possible outcome. In English, conditional sentences often follow a specific structure, especially when discussing hypothetical situations.
2. Identifying the Type of Conditional: The structure of the sentence "If I went to the cinema, I .... early" indicates that it is a second conditional sentence. The second conditional is used to talk about unreal or hypothetical situations in the present or future. The structure is:
3. If + past simple, would + base form of the verb.
4. Analyzing the Correct Option (C):
5. C. would return: This option fits perfectly into the second conditional structure. The phrase "If I went to the cinema" uses the past simple tense ("went"), and the correct response in the second part of the sentence is "would return," which is the base form of the verb "return" preceded by "would." Thus, the complete sentence reads: "If I went to the cinema, I would return early." This indicates a hypothetical situation where the speaker is not currently going to the cinema but is imagining what would happen if they did.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect

1. A. shall return:
2. "Shall" is typically used to express future actions or intentions, but it does not fit the hypothetical nature of the second conditional. The sentence would imply a certainty about returning, which contradicts the hypothetical scenario presented by "If I went."
3. B. am returning:
4. "Am returning" is in the present continuous tense, which indicates an action that is currently happening. This does not align with the hypothetical nature of the sentence. The phrase "If I went" suggests a situation that is not currently true, so using the present continuous is inappropriate.
5. D. had return:
6. "Had return" is grammatically incorrect. The correct past perfect form would be "had returned." However, even if it were correct, it would not fit the second conditional structure. The past perfect is used for actions that were completed before another action in the past, which does not apply here.

Summary of Key Points

• The correct answer is C. would return, as it follows the second conditional structure.
• The second conditional is used for hypothetical situations, using the past simple in the "if" clause and "would" + base verb in the main clause.
• The other options do not fit the grammatical structure or the intended meaning of the sentence.
• Understanding the structure of conditional sentences is crucial for selecting the correct verb forms.

Revision Summary

• Second Conditional Structure: If + past simple, would + base form of the verb.
• Correct Option: C. would return (hypothetical situation).
• Incorrect Options: A (future intention), B (present continuous), D (grammatically incorrect).
• Key Concept: Recognize the type of conditional to choose the appropriate verb form.