Which two words complete the sentence 'The new recruits () guns' to indicate the guns are not provided?

Which two words complete the sentence 'The new recruits () guns' to indicate the guns are not provided?

• A. Aren't given
• B. Are given
• C. Were given
• D. Have given

Answer: (A)

This tests expressing that something is not provided using the present passive with negation. The subject is plural, so the correct form of “to be” in the present tense is “are.” The word “given” is the past participle used in the passive construction, so the negated form is “aren’t given.” Together it means the guns are not supplied to the new recruits right now. Using the other options would change the meaning or tense: “Are given” states that the guns are provided; “Were given” places the action in the past; “Have given” would be an active form that doesn’t fit the idea of something being provided to them.

This tests expressing that something is not provided using the present passive with negation. The subject is plural, so the correct form of “to be” in the present tense is “are.” The word “given” is the past participle used in the passive construction, so the negated form is “aren’t given.” Together it means the guns are not supplied to the new recruits right now.

Using the other options would change the meaning or tense: “Are given” states that the guns are provided; “Were given” places the action in the past; “Have given” would be an active form that doesn’t fit the idea of something being provided to them.