Question

Fill in the blank with the correct passive form of the verb given in the bracket:
All these orchards ________ by the owner last year. (sell)

• A. have sold
• B. has been sold
• C. were sold
• D. are being sold

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

were sold

The verb in the given sentence is 'sell.' In the passive voice, the past participle form of the verb (sold) is used. The words 'last year' tells us that the sentence is in the past tense. The past tense forms of the verb in passive voice are:

i) Simple past: was/were sold

ii) Past continuous: was/were being sold

iii) Past perfect: had been sold.

The words 'have sold' represent the verb in active voice in present perfect tense. Hence, option A is incorrect.

The words 'has been sold' represent the verb in the passive voice, but in present perfect tense. Hence, option B is incorrect.

The words 'were sold' represent the verb in passive voice in simple past tense. Hence, option C is correct.

The words 'are being sold' represent the verb in the passive voice, but in present continuous tense. Hence, option D is incorrect.