Select the word segment that can substitute the bracketed word segment correctly and complete the sentence. Select 'No substitution required' if the given sentence is correct.
The detective (had been solved the murder mystery) within a week.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is option 3 i.e. solved the murder mystery.
Error concept: Incorrect verb form
What is wrong: The phrase “had been solved the murder mystery” uses a passive construction incorrectly with an active subject.
Grammatical concept: In active voice, the subject performs the action, so the past simple form of the verb should be used.
Incorrectness of the concept in context: “Had been solved” is passive and unnecessary here; the detective is the one performing the action.
How to correct: Replace had been solved with solved.
Correct phrase/ correction: The detective solved the murder mystery
Final sentence: The detective solved the murder mystery within a week.
Hence, the chosen option will be correct.