Fill in the blank with the correct option.
New tests----------- to analyze the reaction of the new medicine on humans.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → are being carried out
Present continuous passive:
- Agreement: the subject "New tests" is plural, so the verb must be plural: are, not "is" or "has".
- Tense: an action going on at present takes the present continuous; in the passive its form is am / is / are + being + past participle.
- Two-step check: 1. agreement: plural "tests" → are; 2. tense: going on now → being + past participle.
- This sentence: the tests on the new medicine are going on now, so the verb is "are being carried out".
- Complete sentence: New tests are being carried out to analyze the reaction of the new medicine on humans.
Example: The bridge is being repaired this week.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: are carried out — Incorrect. The simple present passive shows a regular practice or routine; it does not show that tests on this new medicine are in progress now.
Example: Fire drills are carried out every month.
Option 3: has been carried out — Incorrect.
- "has" is singular; the plural subject "tests" needs "have".
- The present perfect shows a finished action, not one going on.
Option 4: is being carried out — Incorrect. The tense is right, but "is" is singular and does not agree with the plural subject "New tests".
Contrast: are being carried out shows tests in progress now; are carried out shows a regular routine.