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Difficulty: MediumShifts in Construction

Read the following passage. Which form of the verb 'detect' correctly completes the sentence without introducing an inconsistent shift in verb tense?

Answer:While the deep-sea submersible descended into the Mariana Trench, its sensors recorded the rising water pressure and 【detected】 changes in temperature. These measurements provided scientists with crucial data about the extreme environment. By studying these variables, researchers can better understand deep-ocean currents.

Answer

detected
The past-tense verb 'detected' is correct because it maintains a consistent past tense and active voice structure, aligning perfectly with 'recorded'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the tense of the main verb in the coordinate clause.
The main verb 'recorded' is in the simple past tense.
To maintain a consistent grammatical construction, verbs in parallel structure must share the same tense.
2
Conjugate the verb 'detect' to match the past tense of 'recorded'.
The past tense form of 'detect' is 'detected'.
Using 'detected' maintains the active voice and past tense established by 'recorded'.

Key Concept

Shifts in Construction
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Topics

Shifts in Construction

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