Introduction / Context:
This sentence contrasts the passive progressive “are being tried” with the intended active progressive “are trying”. The test is on correct auxiliary selection and avoiding unintended passive constructions that radically change meaning.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Intended meaning: health workers themselves are making an effort.
- Given phrase: “are being tried their best” — which incorrectly makes “health workers” the object of someone else’s “trying”.
- Collocation: “try one’s best” (active), not “be tried one’s best”.
Concept / Approach:
- Active progressive: “are trying”.
- Idiomatic form: “are trying their best to …”.
- Passive “are being tried” means “are being tested/prosecuted”, which is not intended here.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Remove passive auxiliary “being” and use active verb “trying”.Correct phrase: “are trying their best”.Corrected sentence: “The health workers are trying their best to popularise preventive measures.”
Verification / Alternative check:
Check idiom: “try my/your/their best to + base verb” is the standard pattern.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A, C, and D are correct once B is fixed.E is not applicable because B contains the clear error.
Common Pitfalls:
Accidentally introducing passive voice with “being”; misplacing possessive “their” around the verb phrase.
Final Answer:
being tried their best
Discussion & Comments