Question

Directions: In this question, a part of the given sentence has been underlined as this part may have an error. The first option is the same as the underlined part in the given sentence. Choose this option if you think that the underlined part has no error. Otherwise, choose the option that rectifies the error in the underlined part of the given sentence.
\(\underline{\text{ A substitute headmistress have just been appointed}}\) as our previous headmistress was taken to hospital after having broken her leg.

• A. A substitute headmistress have just been appointed
• B. A substitute headmistress has been appointing
• C. A substitute headmistress had just been appointed
• D. A substitute headmistress is been appointed
• E. A substitute headmistress has just been appointed.

Answer 1

Answer: (E)

The given sentence is: "A substitute headmistress have just been appointed as our previous headmistress was taken to hospital after having broken her leg." The underlined part of the sentence contains a potential grammatical error. Let's evaluate the options and identify the correct answer:

1. A substitute headmistress have just been appointed: This option is the same as the underlined part. The error here is the use of "have" with a singular subject "headmistress." The correct form should be "has" to match the singular subject.
2. A substitute headmistress has been appointing: This option is incorrect because "has been appointing" suggests an ongoing action, which doesn't fit the context of the sentence which implies completion.
3. A substitute headmistress had just been appointed: This option is grammatically correct but unnecessary past perfect tense since the sequence of events is clear from the context. Simple past perfect is more appropriate.
4. A substitute headmistress is been appointed: This option is incorrect. "Is been" is not a standard English construction. The correct form for the present perfect passive is "has been appointed."
5. A substitute headmistress has just been appointed.: This is grammatically correct. It uses "has" with the singular subject "headmistress" and indicates a recent completion of the appointment.

Therefore, the correct answer is: "A substitute headmistress has just been appointed." This option maintains subject-verb agreement and uses the present perfect tense to indicate a recent action that has been completed.