Introduction / Context:
This question targets verb form with passive voice. In passive constructions, the auxiliary “be” must be followed by the past participle (V3), not the base form (V1) or simple past (V2) incorrectly placed.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Subject: “solutions” (plural).
- Auxiliary: “were” (past of “be”, plural).
- Main verb given: “overlook” (base form) — inappropriate after “were”.
Concept / Approach:
- Passive voice formula: be + past participle.
- Therefore, “were overlooked” is correct.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify passive: “were … by many of his friends”.Apply rule: change “overlook” to “overlooked”.Correct sentence: “The apparently obvious solutions … were overlooked by many of his friends.”
Verification / Alternative check:
Try active voice: “Many of his friends overlooked the solutions.” Active uses simple past; passive must use past participle.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A, B, and D are well-formed as modifiers and object of the preposition.E is wrong—an error exists in C.
Common Pitfalls:
Dropping the -ed in passive; confusing “overlook” (ignore) with “overlooked” (past participle).
Final Answer:
were overlook by
Discussion & Comments