Which of the following phrases (1), (2), (3), (4) given below in the statement…
2023
Which of the following phrases (1), (2), (3), (4) given below in the statement should replace the phrase printed in bold in the sentence to make it grammatically correct? If the sentence is correct as it is given and ‘No Correction is required’, mark (5) as the answer.
Since their son’s demise last week, the old couple were been in shock.
- A.
were
- B.
will be
- C.
has been
- D.
was being
Attempted by 43 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
The sentence contains a grammatical error in the verb phrase 'were been'. This is not a valid construction in English because 'were' is a past tense auxiliary and 'been' is a past participle, which cannot be used together in this way.
The correct verb form should express a past action with present relevance. The present perfect tense ('have been') is used for actions that occurred at an unspecified time in the past and continue to affect the present.
The subject 'the old couple' is treated as a singular unit in this context, so the verb must be singular. Therefore, the correct form is 'has been' to match the singular subject and the present perfect tense.
The phrase 'has been' correctly conveys the ongoing state of shock following the son's death last week, making it the most appropriate choice.